SIBU: Most food operators here say they are not ready for the impending RM1,500 minimum wage law due to poor business.
Sibu Coffeeshop and Restaurant Owners Association chairman Tong Ing Kok said many operators were facing difficulties in keeping their business afloat.
“Spending here is slow. While some eateries are doing well, not all are like that. Those struggling cannot pay,” he said.
Tong appealed to the government to look into their situation, saying that they were not against the minimum wage policy in principle, but the poor business made them unable to pay the sum.
Meanwhile, Sarawak Bus Transport Company Association adviser Lau Khing Seng said operators in the sector had started paying their staff the RM1,500 minimum wage since last year.
“If we don’t pay them this salary, they will quit. These are mostly office staff, as bus drivers command a higher pay,” he said.
Malaysia raised its minimum wage in May last year. The deadline to do so for small businesses with fewer than five workers was deferred to Jan 1 this year. It was later pushed again to July 1.
