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Labour is lowly paid but not underpaid in Malaysia

Tong Kooi Ong
Tong Kooi Ong • 7 min read
Labour is lowly paid but not underpaid in Malaysia
(May 13): With the one-year anniversary of the Pakatan Harapan-led government now in the rear-view mirror, one thing is certain — much more remains to be done. In particular, the issue of the rising cost of living continues to top surveys as the biggest
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(May 13): With the one-year anniversary of the Pakatan Harapan-led government now in the rear-view mirror, one thing is certain — much more remains to be done. In particular, the issue of the rising cost of living continues to top surveys as the biggest challenge for Malaysians.

Over the past year, the government has implemented various measures to tackle high living costs, including the reversal of the goods and services tax (GST), reinstating a cap on petrol prices, cutting broadband costs and launching a fixed-priced monthly public transportation pass. It is also looking to dismantle monopolies to promote competition and, it is hoped, lower prices.

But while these moves have tempered inflation somewhat, costs have not fallen. Anecdotal evidence suggests the average Malaysian is still struggling. There is no question that the situation needs to improve further. We know this. The government knows this.

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