With the rising cost of living, it is no surprise that a lot of Malaysians are struggling simply to survive and to make ends meet, especially considering how the minimum wage is as low as it is.
What makes things even worse is when you’re barely earning the minimum wage and your employer refuses to pay you for a couple of months on end.
This is the reality of many workers of public facilities such as cleaners and security guards at public schools and hospitals.
This morning (February 2), around 40 individuals from the Members of the Government Contract Workers’ Network (JPKK) as well as those from Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM) took to the streets to show the dissatisfaction by holding a silent protest right outside of the Prime Minister’s Office in Putrajaya.
In various photos and videos shared by PSM deputy chairperson S Arutchelvan on Twitter, groups of the workers stood next to each other with banners to express their anger.
Unfairly paid
In a statement by PSM, they wrote, “The increase in the minimum wage to RM1,500 effective from May 2022 should be implemented by all employers, but the government has given flexibility to employers who hire less than 5 workers to not have to pay according to the new minimum wage rate until 1 January 2023.”
“Many workers from the B40 group who still receive the old minimum wage rate (RM1,200 per month) have been waiting with full hope that they will get a RM300 salary increase by January 1, 2023.”
“But unfortunately, the hopes of these low-income workers have been dashed once again. when the unity government formed after GE15 gave flexibility for the second time to employers who hire less than 5 workers until June 2023,” they explained.
JPKK coordinator Sivaranjani said, “This is the second time that relaxation has been given. This is the second time B40 employees have been cheated!”
Meanwhile, Arutchelvan said, “The burden of delaying the enforcement of the minimum wage should not be borne by the poorest workers.”
A memorandum was handed over on the matter to a PMO representative. The parties have also sought an official meeting with the PMO to resolve the issue.
Wrong on so many levels
The matter has since gone viral on social media as netizens rallied to show support for the cause.
“Boosting this tweet. In solidarity with B40 cleaners.”
A user commented, “Absolutely unacceptable and cruel. B40 workers are the bedrock of society. Pay them their wages now.”
Another user stated, “Cleaners have a big role in keeping the school clean and safe for the kids.”
We hope that the government looks into the matter immediately and that it is resolved immediately so our cleaners and security guards get the pay that they deserve.
