Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has stressed that the current minimum wage of RM1,700 is insufficient to meet living costs and announced that the government will gradually raise the standard. He highlighted that government-linked investment companies (GLICs) already offer a minimum salary of RM3,100, and national treasury-owned firms such as Tenaga Nasional and Telekom Malaysia must ensure their minimum wages reach at least RM3,000, with no compromise.
Enhancing Employee Welfare
Anwar urged large corporations to follow suit, noting that when higher-paid employees receive salary increments, base salaries for lower-level staff should also rise to safeguard their welfare. Citing the Ipoh Central development led by Malaysian Resources Corporation Berhad (MRCB), he joked that he “stands with the employees.”
He explained that the 13th Malaysia Plan aims to raise both the “upper and lower limits” of the nation—attracting investment while improving the livelihoods of grassroots citizens. To implement the Public Service Remuneration System (SSPA), the government increased spending by RM10 billion this year, with another RM18 billion planned for next year.
Good Governance and Anti-Corruption
Anwar emphasized that achieving these goals depends on strong governance and decisive anti-corruption measures. He revealed that in the past year or two, the government recovered RM4–5 billion from politicians, government agencies, immigration, and customs, demonstrating that anti-corruption efforts are not just rhetoric but deliver tangible results.
People-Centric Development
The Prime Minister stressed that national development should not only focus on grandiose or foreign-inspired buildings but must reflect local culture and climate. For example, mosque designs need not imitate Ottoman architecture but should comply with Islamic principles while fitting local communities and environments.
“Some large projects may impress visually but lack real benefits. The spirit of ‘Prosperous Malaysia’ centers on people—without empathy, it’s just an empty slogan,” he said.
He called on the construction and academic sectors to embrace artificial intelligence and modern technologies while preserving cultural heritage, warning against creating “steel-and-concrete jungles” devoid of character.
Ipoh Central Development
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony of the Ipoh Central integrated development, Anwar emphasized that the project’s focus must be on people, not buildings. The 67-acre project, located behind Ipoh Railway Station, is valued at over RM6.2 billion and follows a public-transport-oriented development model.
He urged the Perak state government, local council, and relevant ministries—including transport, housing, education, and health—to study and plan the integration of schools, healthcare, and police facilities before finalizing the project.
Anwar highlighted that the second phase will include residential areas, which must be accompanied by schools. “I have criticized developers in Kuala Lumpur who claim nearby schools exist, but classrooms are overcrowded with 50 students. Are children from low-income families expected to study in such conditions? That shows a lack of empathy,” he said.
Local Talent and Inclusive Values
The Prime Minister also stressed that federal and state authorities, together with developers, should train local talent before construction begins, combining academic and practical skills. He noted that Ipoh Central will include and preserve religious sites, reflecting the city’s multicultural and multi-religious identity.
“Malay culture remains central, but that does not mean excluding other cultures or religions. Even in the face of extreme voices, we must uphold inclusivity. Only when all groups feel trusted and included can the nation truly progress,” Anwar concluded.
