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Malay Mail
3 days ago
- Business
- Malay Mail
DOSM: Average Malaysian salary grew to RM3,332 in 2022, but disparity across sectors and skills persists
KUALA LUMPUR, June 19 — The average monthly salary and wages of Malaysian employees stood at RM3,332 in 2022, reflecting an annual growth rate of 3.7 per cent as compared to RM2,590 in 2015, the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) has revealed. According to the Economic Census 2023 Employment and Salaries & Wages Statistics report released today, those employed in the mining and quarrying sectors earned the highest monthly wages at RM9,422 in 2022 (2015: RM7,980). This was followed by the manufacturing (RM3,513), services (RM3,493), and construction (RM2,536) sectors — all reflecting steady wage growth since 2015. The agriculture sector remained the lowest-paid, with average monthly wages at RM1,827 in 2022, compared to RM1,463 in 2015. In terms of skill levels, semi-skilled workers made up the majority of full-time employees in 2022, comprising 59.8 per cent or 5.6 million of the total full-time paid workforce of 8.6 million. Skilled workers accounted for 22.3 per cent, recording a 3.1 per cent annual growth rate since 2015, while low-skilled workers made up 17.9 per cent of the workforce with a 3.5 per cent annual growth rate. Average monthly salaries for skilled workers stood at RM6,967 in 2022 (2015: RM6,277), reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.5 per cent. Semi-skilled workers earned RM2,548 in 2022 (2015: RM1,832), with a CAGR of 4.8 per cent, while low-skilled workers saw their wages rise to RM1,798 (2015: RM1,280), with a CAGR of 5 per cent. Geographically, the workforce remained heavily concentrated in Selangor, the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur, and Johor — which together accounted for 56 per cent of the national total in 2022. By establishment size, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) continued to dominate employment in the services sector, with 6.5 million people employed in 2022. In contrast, large enterprises employed 3.5 million people, or 34.8 per cent of the workforce. Within MSMEs, 70.2 per cent of employees were engaged in the services sector, particularly in wholesale and retail trade, as well as food and beverage subsectors. 'The salaries and wages gap between MSMEs and large enterprises in Malaysia remained substantial, reflecting structural differences in scale and productivity. 'Workers in large enterprises earned on average 47.5 per cent more than those in MSMEs. 'Average monthly salaries and wages of employees in large enterprises stood at RM4,145, compared with RM2,810 in MSMEs,' the report stated. Chief Statistician Datuk Seri Mohd Uzir Mahidin said the report offered a clear snapshot of the nation's labour landscape. 'A deeper understanding towards labour cost and employment patterns is key to inclusive growth development and uplifting the nation's competitiveness,' he said. The full report is available on DOSM's official portal.
Zawya
4 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Jordan: DoS reports 'strong' growth in licensed building areas
AMMAN — Licensed building areas in the Kingdom reached 3.032 million square metres during the first third of 2025, marking a 19.8 per cent increase compared with 2.530 million square metres during the same period in 2024, reflecting sustained momentum in the construction sector amid broader economic and demographic trends. According to the Department of Statistics' (DoS) latest monthly report on urban activity, the number of building permits also rose to 7,253 from 6,730 permits in the corresponding period of last year, an annual increase of 7.8 per cent. The uptick signals a positive outlook for the real estate market, driven by continued urban expansion, resilient demand, and government-supported housing initiatives, according to DoS. 'The increase in licensed areas, particularly for residential purposes, reflects a relatively more stable financing environment,' financial analyst Yousef Suboh told The Jordan Times. 'It is also a sign that population growth and urbanisation remain key drivers in the Jordanian market.' Residential building areas accounted for the majority of licensed space, totalling 2.243 million square metres, up 10.7 per cent from 2.027 million square metres during the same period last year. Non-residential building areas witnessed a sharper rise, surging by 56.9 per cent to reach 789,000 square metres, compared with 503,000 square metres in 2024. According to the DoS report, residential projects represented 74 per cent of the total licensed area, while non-residential buildings comprised 26 per cent. The central region remained dominant in terms of construction activity, accounting for 27 per cent of licensed areas, an increase of 6.4 per cent from the same period in 2024. Urban planning engineer Ayman Dudokh said, 'The capital continues to absorb the bulk of activity, but a more balanced spatial development is urgently needed. Encouraging construction outside Amman can ease urban pressure.' He added that smart urban design and improved regulation of land use are essential to managing future growth effectively.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Youth unemployment needs more than MySTEP
Malaysia's growing youth unemployment rate is becoming a serious problem with significant ramifications for social cohesion and economic stability. Over 13 per cent of Malaysians between the ages of 15 and 24 are now unemployed, contributing to high rates of poverty and depriving an increasing number of young people of financial stability. While the national unemployment rate hovers around 3.5 per cent, the disproportionate impact on younger individuals underscores the difficulties specific to this group. Financial stress on young Malaysians Underdeveloped career pathways, a lack of industry-aligned skills, and limited job opportunities all contribute to the challenges faced by Malaysian youth transitioning from school to the workforce. The job market is highly competitive for fresh graduates, particularly in sectors with strong demand but few entry-level positions. According to data from the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM), nearly half of recent graduates are employed in fields unrelated to their degrees and often earn below the national median wage – a situation known as underemployment. This trend stifles potential economic contributions and deepens financial hardship in young households, thereby prolonging poverty cycles. Rising living costs only add to the pressure. In urban areas especially, young people struggle to meet their basic needs due to soaring expenses in housing, transport, and food. The economic fragility of Malaysia's youth is evident. For instance, food prices alone have risen by 6 per cent in the past year. If left unaddressed, analysts warn this could result in a 'lost generation' trapped by unrealised potential, prolonged financial strain, and reduced social mobility. Comparisons: Gaining insight from international approaches Malaysia is not alone in its struggle with youth unemployment. While countries around the world face similar challenges, some have introduced innovative solutions that offer valuable lessons. Germany, for instance, places significant emphasis on vocational training to tackle youth unemployment. Its dual education system – which integrates classroom learning with hands-on apprenticeships – has helped it maintain one of the lowest youth unemployment rates globally. This model highlights the importance of government–industry collaboration in ensuring steady employment pathways for young people. South Korea has adopted a more targeted approach with initiatives such as the Youth Employment Support Programme, which equips job-seeking youth with relevant skills. The government-funded internships offered through this scheme give young people real-world experience in sectors like finance and technology. With a youth unemployment rate of 8.7 per cent, South Korea's success in empowering young professionals could inspire similar action in Malaysia. Australia's Teenagers Allowance programme, which supports unemployed youth enrolled in full-time study or training, seeks to reduce youth poverty. This safety net not only facilitates skill development but also ensures basic living needs are met. By addressing both educational and employment requirements, Australia has managed to build a skilled workforce while lowering poverty among young people. Malaysian government initiatives and policy suggestions The Malaysian government is attempting to tackle youth unemployment through initiatives like the Malaysian Short-Term Employment Programme (MySTEP), which offers internships and placement opportunities to young Malaysians. However, critics argue that while MySTEP and similar schemes are commendable starting points, their reach remains limited. They do not sufficiently tackle root issues such as the lack of diverse entry-level jobs and the mismatch between graduates' skill sets and industry demands. With the rapid pace of technological advancement and evolving industry needs, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has acknowledged the necessity for structural reform. 'We must give young Malaysians not just jobs, but the right jobs that will match their skills and improve their economic status,' he recently said. Call to action Malaysia's youth unemployment issue requires urgent and sustained attention. While some mechanisms are already in place, the mounting challenges faced by young Malaysians demand a more cohesive response involving public, private, and educational stakeholders. Global examples show that it is possible to empower youth and insulate them from the impacts of poverty through bold, youth-centric policies. For Malaysia, adapting these international models to its local context could yield positive outcomes. Therefore, a renewed commitment to smart policymaking and strong industry partnerships is vital, as youth unemployment poses a serious risk to the nation's economic resilience and future growth. Only through a collective and sustained effort can Malaysia unlock the full potential of its younger generations, reduce youth poverty, and shape a more promising economic future. Datin Seri Professor Dr Suhaiza Hanim Mohamad Zailani is the director of the Ungku Aziz Centre for Development Studies, Universiti Malaya. The views expressed here are the personal opinion of the writer and do not necessarily represent that of Twentytwo13.
Malay Mail
08-06-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
Social protection programmes key to poverty reduction — Suhaiza Hanim Mohamad Zailani
JUNE 8 — Malaysia has stepped up efforts to reduce poverty in recent years through targeted social protection programmes, particularly those aimed at the B40 income category. However, the effectiveness and breadth of these programmes are called into question since growing living expenses continue to strain all income levels, including M40. The B40 in Malaysia's social protection environment Targeted assistance for the Bottom 40 per cent (B40) income group is the central tenet of Malaysia's approach to reducing poverty. Programmes like Bantuan Sara Hidup (BSH), Bantuan Prihatin Rakyat (BPR), and the more recent measures unveiled in Budget 2025 aim to help low-income households cope with the rising cost of living. These initiatives provide needy families short-term financial relief through subsidies, housing assistance, and cash help. Malaysia has stepped up efforts to reduce poverty in recent years through targeted social protection programmes, particularly those aimed at the B40 income category. However, the effectiveness and breadth of these programmes are called into question since growing living expenses continue to strain all income levels, including M40. — Bernama pic The Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) statistics, however, show that although these programmes provide short-term respite, they cannot significantly improve families' long-term economic standing. A recent report from the DOSM states that the average income of B40 has increased by only 1.5 per cent per year, which is not enough to keep up with inflation. Many people still have limited purchasing power as a result, particularly given the sharp increase in the price of food and housing. As such, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has underlined the government's will to address these problems, promising to lower costs and increase accessibility to necessities to ease financial burdens. Critics contend that monetary distributions could not alleviate underlying economic inequities despite these guarantees. 'Malaysia's B40 will continue to face an uphill struggle against poverty without structural reforms in education, employment, and wage policies,' one economist noted. Global social protection models: Achievements and insights for Malaysia Various social protection regimes worldwide have successfully reduced poverty, particularly when multifaceted and sustainable approaches are used. One programme generally commended for decreasing severe poverty is Brazil's Bolsa Família, which goes beyond cash transfers by requiring families to comply with health and education standards. This strategy has broken the cycle of intergenerational poverty, which has had a profoundly positive effect. Another practical example is the Basic Livelihood Security Programme (BLSP) in South Korea, which combines financial help with housing assistance, skill development, and job support. By linking financial aid to social services and job training, the BLSP has decreased poverty rates and enhanced recipients' capacity to find steady work, encouraging long-term independence. South Korea's strategy emphasises the necessity of a comprehensive social safety net that fosters employment and skill development. Similarly, the European Union's 'Active Inclusion' approach supports beneficiaries by combining labour market reforms with social protection, offering financial assistance and work placements. Malaysian approach gaps: Going beyond financial aid Though Malaysia's B40 initiatives offer much-needed financial assistance, they don't have the same cohesive structure as nations like Brazil and South Korea. Due to the lack of a multifaceted strategy, B40 beneficiaries' ability to achieve economic independence is restricted. According to a local economist, 'Despite its usefulness, monetary aid frequently results in dependency if employment-based and educational initiatives do not accompany it.' In addition to providing help, we must empower beneficiaries. The main drawback is that Malaysia's social security system primarily uses short-term financial assistance to combat poverty rather than focusing on long-term empowerment initiatives. On the other hand, effective schemes, such as the BLSP in South Korea, strongly emphasise developing human capital, providing work opportunities and skill training to recipients as part of their social benefits. Another gap is the availability of affordable housing. Although Malaysian authorities have started projects to provide inexpensive housing, they are frequently focused in metropolitan areas where demand outpaces supply, underserving rural and peri-urban locations. Future directions for Malaysia: Establishing a comprehensive social safety system Motivated by South Korea's BLSP and Brazil's Bolsa Família, Malaysia might benefit from implementing a more all-encompassing strategy that incorporates job assistance and skill development to improve the efficacy of social security. Working with social services and career development programmes might pave the way for the B40 to become resilient and financially independent. Furthermore, prioritising accessible education and universal healthcare will guarantee that fundamental necessities are satisfied, lessening the financial burden on low-income households. These steps would align with international best practices, calling governments to establish safety nets that do more than alleviate acute misery. Finally, increasing social protection in underprivileged regions might improve living conditions for low-income people in rural and urban areas, addressing regional disparity concerns. When Malaysia prepares for Budget 2025, adding these components might turn the B40 support system into a cornerstone for long-term, sustainable poverty alleviation. In conclusion: Using holistic reform to close the gap A move towards a more integrated strategy might enhance results for the B40 and beyond as Malaysia's social protection programmes continue to develop. As demonstrated by international examples, providing routes to education, work, and self-sufficiency is necessary to reduce poverty effectively. If these all-inclusive models are emulated, all Malaysians might gain from the country's progress, which could help Malaysia close the gap in economic inequality. * The author is the Director of the Ungku Aziz Centre for Development Studies, Universiti Malaya. She may be reached at [email protected]. ** This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of Malay Mail.
Malay Mail
08-06-2025
- Politics
- Malay Mail
Fahmi assures public MCMC only collecting anonymised telco data, no personal information involved
KUALA LUMPUR, June 8 — Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil has assured the public that the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) is not collecting any personal information from telecommunications companies. According to Free Malaysia Today, Fahmi said the request for mobile phone call data from January to March involves anonymised information and contains no personally identifiable details. 'The telcos will not be sharing any data containing personal information. Only anonymised data will be (shared), and it will be processed as carefully as possible by the telcos,' he told reporters after an Aidiladha sacrificial event in Lembah Pantai today. Fahmi said the initiative, made by Cabinet decision, is intended to assist the Department of Statistics in collecting detailed data for planning and policymaking. He said the data would enable more accurate insights into service quality, coverage, and user numbers at the sub-district level. 'This is a decision that has been made jointly by the telcos and MCMC, and it also involves agencies such as the statistics department,' he said. He added that workshops involving stakeholders had been held since 2023, and the matter had not been contentious. Fahmi said the ministry is shifting from reporting general coverage data to more specific information from each telecommunications company. He said the aim is to support better evidence-based planning that will benefit the public. On Friday, MCMC defended its directive requiring telcos to submit mobile call records from the first quarter of the year. The commission said the data is anonymised and cannot be used to identify individuals.
