Budget 2025: Wage hike and EPF a burden, say manufacturers

PETALING JAYA: The recent minimum wage increase, combined with the planned implementation of Employees Provident Fund (EPF) contributions for foreign workers, poses a significant financial burden for businesses, says the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers. FMM president Tan Sri Soh Thian Lai expressed concerns that these measures could severely affect operating costs, particularly for companies heavily reliant...

ICPT surcharge reduction ‘minimal’, ‘disappointing’, says FMM

PETALING JAYA: The reduction of 1 sen/kWh from July to December 2024 in ICPT (imbalance cost pass-through) surcharge has been called "minimal" and "disappointing" by the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM). FMM president Tan Sri Soh Thian Lai said that despite a decline in coal prices over the past year, the surcharge for commercial and industrial...

Progressive Wage Policy pilot project may be extended till June next year, says HR Minister

KUALA LUMPUR: The three-month Progressive Wage Policy (PWP) pilot project may be extended till June next year, said Steven Sim. "The PWP just opened for registration on 1 June. So far, about 500 companies have registered their interest. "We are targeting about 1,000 companies to participate in the PWP, which will run between June and August," the...

NIMP 2030 will help grow SMEs and improve livelihoods, says PM

KUALA LUMPUR: The National Industrial Master Plan (NIMP) 2030 will have specific plans to ensure growth in local small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and improve the livelihood of Malaysians, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. According to Anwar, the government’s Madani Economy framework and NIMP 2030 were both aligned in their focus to improve lives...