DAP chief urges exclusion of foreign workers from minimum wage rise

DAP chairman Lim Guan Eng has urged the government to exempt foreign workers from the proposed minimum wage hike, arguing the move would protect local employment opportunities and reduce costs for businesses relying on migrant workers.

Speaking in George Town on Sunday, Lim contended that excluding foreign workers from wage increases would make hiring local staff more economically competitive for employers. The proposal reflects concerns within the opposition party about the impact of the minimum wage policy on Malaysia's labour market dynamics.

Beyond the minimum wage debate, Lim called for the government to scrap existing levies on employers who hire foreign workers, citing the additional financial burden placed on businesses. He framed the removal of such levies as necessary to ease operational costs, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises dependent on migrant labour.

The statements come as Malaysia continues to grapple with balancing domestic wage protections for citizens against the economic reliance on foreign workers across multiple sectors including manufacturing, construction, and services.