By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Nov 6: Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) Stakan branch chairman Dato Sim Kiang Chiok has proposed the Sarawak government consider maintaining the current minimum wage of RM1,500 for small businesses in smaller towns.
This comes following the federal government’s proposed increase in the minimum wage from RM1,500 to RM1,700 per month, set to take effect on Feb 1, 2025, in the National Budget 2025.
“I propose that our Sarawak government consider supporting small businesses in smaller towns by maintaining the current minimum wage of RM1,500 by State Government’s wage grant to employers which could help reduce business costs and sustain local economies,” he said in a statement today.
Sim further hoped that the upcoming Sarawak Budget 2025 will complement and address any remaining gaps not covered at the federal level including the continuation of Housing Deposit Assistance Scheme (HDAS) to help more Sarawakians to secure their own homes.
He also called for increased infrastructure spending to improve connectivity and support local communities and increased agricultural investment in high-yield crops like paddy.
“On education and health, I expect the Sarawak government to continue addressing the urgent need for repairs to dilapidated schools and clinics on behalf of the federal government.
“We also look forward to the construction of a new cancer hospital to improve healthcare access in Sarawak,” he added.
He also commended Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg’s recent announcement on plans to provide pocket money to students pursuing tertiary education in West Malaysia and overseas to ease their financial burden.
He also urged the Sarawak government to consider measures to keep petrol prices steady in Sarawak, as it has done with the waiver on diesel price increases. — DayakDaily
