The Human Resources Ministry will introduce starting salary guidelines for graduates and semi-skilled workers by June 2027, following the government’s proposal for a RM2,500 minimum starting salary under Budget 2027.
Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan said the guidelines would serve as a comprehensive reference for employers and workers, outlining recommended basic starting salaries based on occupation, educational qualifications and skills.
He said the ministry was preparing the Starting Basic Salary Guidelines based on the Malaysia Standard Classification of Occupations (Masco).
The guidelines are expected to be published and implemented alongside the new Minimum Wages Order in June next year.
For graduate-level occupations, the proposed salary benchmarks will cover Masco categories one to three. These include degree and diploma holders, as well as individuals with Malaysian Advanced Skills Diplomas at Level 5, Malaysian Skills Diplomas at Level 4 and Malaysian Skills Certificates at Level 3.
For semi-skilled occupations, the ministry will align the framework with the Skills-Based Starting Salary Guidelines, which cover Malaysian Skills Certificate holders at Levels 1 and 2.
This will extend the starting salary framework to Masco categories one to eight.
Ramanan said the proposed benchmarks for Masco categories one to three were developed based on findings from graduate studies and engagement sessions with stakeholders.
Meanwhile, the framework will incorporate starting salary benchmarks under the Progressive Wage Policy for Masco categories four to eight.
He added that the recommended salary rates would be updated regularly using the latest labour market data from the Department of Statistics Malaysia.
The information will be published on the e-Masco portal, allowing employers and workers to access up-to-date salary benchmarks.
Ramanan said the guidelines were aimed at ensuring starting salaries better reflected workers’ qualifications, skills and prevailing labour market conditions.
