Median monthly salaries and wages remained on a positive trend, up7.7% reaching MYR 2,424 (USD 514.87) as compared to MYR 2,250 (USD 477.91) in 2021, according to data from Statistics Malaysia.

According to the Edge Malaysia, chief statistician Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin attributed the increase also to continuous economic and social activities, supported by increasing tourist arrivals and improvements in the labour market, especially in the services sector.

“The Malaysian government had increased the minimum wage to MYR 1,500 (USD 318.61) starting from May 2022, mandating a monthly wage of MYR 1,500 (USD 318.61) for employees in all sectors, as a measure that is expected to improve overall salaries and wages conditions in the country as compared to the previous years,” Mahidin said.

Mahidin said about 50% of full-time citizen workers received salaries and wages of MYR 2,424 (USD 514.87) and below in 2022.

Meanwhile, in 2022, the median monthly salaries and wages for both male and female employees remained in an increasing trend. Male employees showed an increase of 7.7% to record MYR 2,493 (USD 529.52) (2021: MYR 2,315 (USD 491.72) while median monthly salaries & wages females rose by 7.3% to MYR 2,301 (USD 488.74) (2021: MYR 2,145 (USD 455.61)). Comparing the monthly salaries and wages by gender, it was reported that male employees earned about 8.3% (MYR 192 (USD 40.78)) higher median monthly salaries and wages than females.

The mean monthly salaries and wages also increased by 5.8% to record MYR 3,212 (USD 682.24) as compared to MYR 3,037 (USD 645.07) in 2021 with a growth rate of 3.6%. This increase reflects improved earning potential for a significant portion of the workforce.