Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has urged the local media industry to establish its own minimum wage framework, calling it a necessary move to protect workers’ welfare and uplift the standards of journalism. He revealed that he had received complaints from media practitioners earning below RM2,000 a month despite more than a decade of experience — a situation he described as unacceptable.
Anwar said he would discuss the matter with Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil and convene a meeting with media companies and industry representatives to address salary issues. During an engagement session, a Sabah media association representative noted that some part-time journalists in the state earn less than RM1,700, below the national minimum wage.
Anwar added that government-linked companies have already been instructed to adopt a minimum wage of RM3,100, sending a message to the private sector amid rising living costs. He said Fahmi will prepare a detailed report on media conditions in Sabah, and if a minimum wage cannot be immediately implemented, the government may consider targeted incentives to help media organisations raise salaries and allowances.
