Free RM25RM1,700/month for all employers. Hourly rate, eligibility, employer obligations and what to do if your employer underpays.
Monthly
RM1,700
All employers since 1 Feb 2024
Daily (26 days)
RM65.38
RM1,700 ÷ 26 working days
Hourly (8hr/day)
RM8.17
RM65.38 ÷ 8 hours
Bottom Line
Malaysia's minimum wage is RM1,700/month — effective for all employers in Malaysia's private sector since 1 February 2024. This includes micro-SMEs that were previously exempt. Overtime (1.5× rate) and EPF/SOCSO contributions are in addition to this base wage.
| Effective Date | Minimum Wage | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Jan 2013 | RM900 | Introduced for the first time (Peninsular Malaysia) |
| 1 Jul 2016 | RM1,000 | +RM100 for Peninsular Malaysia |
| 1 Jan 2019 | RM1,100 | Nationwide increase |
| 1 Feb 2020 | RM1,200 | +RM100 nationwide |
| 1 May 2022 | RM1,500 | Big jump +RM300 |
| 1 Jul 2023 | RM1,700 | Employers with 5+ employees only |
| 1 Feb 2024 | RM1,700 | Extended to ALL employers incl. micro-SMEs |
✅ All private sector employees — Malaysian citizens and foreign workers
✅ Part-time and contract workers — calculated pro-rata based on actual hours worked
✅ Domestic workers (housemaids, gardeners) since the 2022 order
✅ Micro-SMEs (fewer than 5 employees) — covered since 1 Feb 2024
❌ Civil servants (government) — covered by the public service pay scheme, typically higher
❌ Self-employed / sole proprietors — not covered by the Minimum Wages Order
EPF (KWSP) Contributions
Employer must contribute 12–13% of salary to EPF on top of the RM1,700 wage. This is not deducted from the employee — it's an employer cost. Employee contributes 11%.
SOCSO (PERKESO) + EIS
Employer pays 1.75% SOCSO and 0.4% EIS contributions for each employee. Again, on top of the base wage — not taken from the RM1,700.
Overtime Rates
Overtime on normal working days: minimum 1.5× hourly rate. On rest days: 2× rate. On public holidays: 3× rate. Overtime cannot be waived by contract.
Annual Leave & Public Holidays
Minimum 8 paid public holidays per year. Annual leave: 8 days (< 2 years service), 12 days (2–5 years), 16 days (5+ years).
Reality Check: Minimum Wage vs KL Living Costs
• Room rental in KL: RM500–800/month — that's 30–47% of minimum wage before food
• World Bank estimated living wage for KL: RM2,700–3,500/month for a single person
• After EPF deduction (11%): take-home is ~RM1,513/month
• Government is reviewing a potential increase to RM1,800–RM2,000 but no date announced
Step 1: Document everything
Keep all payslips, bank transaction records, and any written messages about your pay. These are evidence for a complaint.
Step 2: Raise with employer first
Some employers, especially micro-SMEs, may genuinely be unaware of the 2024 extension. A written notice often resolves it.
Step 3: File complaint with JTK
Lodge a complaint at the Labour Department (Jabatan Tenaga Kerja) — online at jtksm.mohr.gov.my or in person at any JTK office. Employer penalty: RM1,000–RM10,000 per employee.
| Deduction | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Salary | RM1,700.00 | Minimum wage |
| EPF (Employee 11%) | −RM187.00 | Goes to your retirement savings |
| SOCSO (Employee 0.5%) | −RM8.50 | Disability / injury coverage |
| EIS (Employee 0.2%) | −RM3.40 | Job loss protection |
| PCB Income Tax | RM0 | Below taxable threshold |
| Net Take-Home | ~RM1,501 | Per month, cash in hand |
*EPF, SOCSO and EIS rates are approximate. Actual deductions depend on age and salary bracket. Use our Salary Calculator for a precise calculation.
Upskill via HRDF or free courses
HRDF-claimable courses, Coursera, and professional certifications can raise your salary 20–50% within 1–2 years
Start investing early — even RM100/month
RM100/month in ASNB or EPF voluntary top-up can grow to RM50k+ over 20 years thanks to compounding
Maximize your EPF
Confirm employer is contributing the full 12–13%. Check your EPF statement monthly via i-Akaun app
Side income with low capital
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