World · Malaysia Bureau
Minimum wage floor of RM2,500 may deter employers from hiring graduates
Business groups in Sarawak have raised concerns that a proposed salary threshold could discourage companies from recruiting fresh graduates. Employers may prefer to hire more experienced workers instead, industry representatives warn.
LSN Malaysia ·
The Sarawak Bumiputera Entrepreneurs Council's Miri branch has flagged potential challenges for job seekers entering the workforce, citing employer preferences for experienced staff over less-seasoned candidates. According to the group, a salary floor of RM2,500 could create barriers for fresh graduates seeking their first positions in the job market. The concern reflects ongoing debates in Malaysia about balancing wage floors with employment opportunities for new entrants. Business representatives argue that higher entry-level salary requirements may push some employers toward recruiting workers with established track records, potentially limiting openings for graduates. The issue highlights the tension between protecting worker incomes and maintaining accessible pathways for young Malaysians entering the professional world.