“Fortune Tellers RM2.2k” – Here are the Starting Salaries for Entry-Level Workers in M’sia According to Rafizi

Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli recently took to his official X (formerly Twitter) account to provide further details on the Government’s Progressive Wage Policy, particularly about the starting salaries for entry-level employees under the policy.

In the post, he shared the starting salaries for 5 separate professions, even 1 for astrologers or fortune tellers, which he included to highlight how the Government has set the starting salaries for all entry-level employees in the private sector which employers under the Progressive Wage Policy must adhere to.

Private-sector employers can get incentives from the Government if they adhere to the Progressive Wage Policy

Economy minister, rafizi ramli

Accordingly, he shared these professions and the starting salaries for their respective entry-level workers:

• Mechanical Engineer – RM3,380
• Civil Engineer  RM3,115
• Accountant and Auditors – RM3,280
• Astrologers or Fortune Tellers – RM2,205
• Civil Engineering Technicians – RM2,470

The Economy Minister added that any employers who increased their employees’ salaries in line with the Progressive Wage Policy would be eligible to get progressive wage incentives from the Government that must be used to pay the workers.

Essentially, the increment would be subsidised by the Government through the Progressive Wage Policy.

Berapa gaji permulaan mengikut kelayakan di bawah Dasar Gaji Progresif:

Jurutera Mekanikal – RM3,380

Jurutera Awam – RM3,115

Akauntan dan Juru Audit – RM3,280

Ahli Nujum – RM2,205

Juruteknik Kejuruteraan Awam – RM2,470

Eyh, mana dapat semua tangga gaji ni?

Ramai yang tidak… pic.twitter.com/0sO27o3XDt

— Rafizi Ramli (@rafiziramli) August 7, 2024

What is the Progressive Wage Policy?

For illustration purposes

Now in Version 2 of its pilot project, the Progressive Wage Policy is meant to uplift the wages of Malaysian employees, for both entry-level employees (who are starting work for the first time) and non-entry-level employees.

The policy objective is to increase the share of compensation for employees who contribute to the economic output of Malaysia.

Moreover, firms wishing to participate will need to provide the necessary information, comply with prescribed criteria, and follow procedures and prescriptions. The Government welcomes eligible Malaysian companies to participate.

For illustration purposes

The Government implemented the Progressive Wage Policy pilot project in June 2024. Registration of interest to participate started on 15 May 2024 and is ongoing until 31 August 2024.

The primary objective of the pilot project is to gauge the response of employers to the policy and get feedback on the policy wage guide as well as the policy implementation. The feedback obtained will be used to improve its implementation.

Currently, the policy covers 5 economic sectors in Malaysia, namely:

• Manufacturing
• Construction
• Information and communications
• Professional, scientific and technical activities
• Wholesale and retail trade; Repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles

Here’s the full list of professions and their respective starting salaries as per the Progressive Wage Policy Pilot Project (Version 2) and be warned, it’s a looonnngggg list:

For more information on the Progressive Wage Policy Pilot Project (Version 2), read its guidebook here.

So, what do you guys think about the policy? Share your thoughts with us in the comments! 

Also read: Rafizi: KL Has Malaysia’s Highest Average Salary at RM4.1K, Double Than Kelantan’s Which is Lowest