Workers who lose their jobs following company restructuring due to the implementation of the new minimum wage will be eligible to claim benefits under the Employment Insurance System (EIS), including a Job Search Allowance (EMP) for up to six months.
Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir said the implementation of the minimum wage must strike a balance between improving workers’ incomes and ensuring employers can sustain their operations, particularly micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
“We must take several segments into account and ensure the implementation is balanced, so that we continue to look after workers while also safeguarding the sustainability of employers, especially small businesses and MSMEs,” he said in the Dewan Rakyat on Tuesday.
Akmal was responding to a question from Aminolhuda Hassan (PH-Sri Gading), who asked what measures the government would take to ensure the minimum wage of RM2,000, set to take effect in June 2027, would not lead to job cuts, higher prices or increased operating costs for small businesses.
He also said Malaysia’s inflation trend remained stable and under control despite wage increases.
“Strong gross domestic product (GDP) growth of 5.4% in the first quarter and 6.0% in the second quarter of 2026 also demonstrates that minimum wage increases are strengthening domestic demand without affecting price stability,” he said.
Akmal added that the government was committed to stabilising the prices of essential goods through stricter enforcement under the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011 (Act 723), strategic supply management and more frequent Rahmah Madani Sales Programme (PJRM) events in every state constituency.
He said RM700 million would be allocated to organise 30,000 targeted PJRM events in rural areas, low-cost housing areas and urban People’s Housing Programme (PPR) communities.
A further RM50 million would be allocated for 5,000 Agro Madani Sales programmes nationwide, offering fresh agricultural products such as chicken, fish, vegetables and fruits at prices 10% to 30% below market rates.
