LABUAN: Labuan Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chairman Datuk Dahlif Singh says minor cities or towns with low population should be exempted from the RM1,700 minimum wage which came into effect this month.
He said without “flexibility” in the wage rule, many entrepreneurs face the risk of losing business and debts.
“Many were battered by the Covid-19 and yet to fully recover.
“The minimum wage applied regardless of situations is akin to pulling the rug from under their feet. They should be given a fair chance to recover,” he said.
He said it was the inherent right of employers to fix wages as it was their survival. There should not be excessive interference by the authorities in this matter.
“Good employees are valued and often rewarded by perks and bonuses although there is no labour rule on this.
“As such, the wage decision should be left to the employers and employees in the private sector as business establishments need a win-win formula to run.”
Dahlif agreed that the high cost of living necessitates a wage increase, “but those in business are also subjected to the same conditions in addition to paying taxes and other fees.”
Earlier, Sabah Employers Association (SEA) and Sabah United Chinese Chambers of Commerce also expressed disagreement on the wage hike fearing job losses, etc.
