Politics · Malaysia Bureau
MP proposes subsidy scheme to ease small firms' wage burden
A Pasir Mas parliamentarian has put forward a temporary subsidy plan to help small enterprises absorb the cost of implementing a new minimum wage, suggesting the government redirect funds from parliamentary allocations.
LSN Malaysia ·
Ahmad Fadhli Shaari has recommended a targeted assistance programme that would provide small businesses with RM300 per worker over a seven-month period as they adjust to higher wage requirements.
The subsidy scheme, according to the Pasir Mas MP, could be partially funded by reducing the allocation made to government members of parliament, directing these savings toward supporting the small and medium enterprise sector.
Small business operators have raised concerns about the financial impact of implementing new minimum wage regulations, with many citing tight profit margins and operational constraints. The proposed subsidy aims to bridge this transition period while allowing employers time to restructure their cost structures.
The suggestion comes as policymakers weigh measures to balance worker welfare with business sustainability across Malaysia's competitive economic landscape. Implementation details and formal government consideration of the proposal remain pending.