21 hours ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Tour bus group denies RM700 basic pay claim for drivers
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Tour Bus Operators Association has refuted claims that full-time tour bus drivers receive a basic salary as low as RM700 a month.
Deputy president Mohd Rofik Mohd Yusoff said full-time tour bus drivers in Malaysia are paid a minimum monthly wage of RM1,700.
He said drivers who are paid below the minimum wage are most likely part-time drivers who have permanent jobs elsewhere.
"Most tour bus drivers in Malaysia are full-time salaried employees. If someone claims that full-time tour bus drivers earn RM700, that is incorrect.
"The minimum wage, as set by the government, is RM1,700, and this is paid to full-time drivers by their companies," he told "Harian Metro".
Rofik said full-time drivers often increase their earnings through additional trips, for which they are paid a 15 per cent commission by their employer.
He said the issue of inconsistent income affects only part-time drivers, who are not tied to any company.
"Part-time drivers might feel that their earnings are insufficient, but they have other full-time jobs. They only drive occasionally to earn some extra income."
Meanwhile, he said the tour bus industry is facing a shortage of qualified, full-time drivers.
"The industry is struggling to find drivers willing to work full time. That's the main issue. It's why part-time drivers exist in the first place.
"Some drivers do not want to commit to a full-time position.
"They prefer to drive when they feel like it and opt out when they don't. In such cases, companies are unable to take action."
He advised part-time drivers to consider applying for full-time positions to enjoy benefits, such as Employees Provident Fund contributions, Social Security Organisation coverage and insurance protection.
Rofik said full-time drivers continue to receive their salaries even during low-travel periods, such as Ramadan.
"For drivers employed on a full-time basis, regardless of whether there are trips during the fasting month or festive seasons, they still receive their monthly salary."
Yesterday, "Harian Metro" reported that some bus drivers are forced to rely on travel allowances and overtime, often sacrificing their days off to cover living expenses, with a basic salary as low as RM700 a month, or in some cases, no basic salary at all.
