KUALA LUMPUR – Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan has hailed Budget 2027 as a “caring Budget”, citing measures to improve workers’ welfare, raise wages and strengthen protections for gig workers.
He said the government had taken into account concerns raised by the Human Resources Ministry (Kesuma), particularly on minimum wages and the welfare of workers in the gig economy.
“When it comes to Kesuma the Prime Minister has listened to our concerns and requests, from increasing the minimum wage to looking after the welfare of our gig workers,” he told Scoop.
“These are important steps to ensure that the benefits of economic growth are felt by the people, especially those who work hard to support their families.”
Ramanan said the Budget demonstrated the government’s concern for working-class households and vulnerable groups facing financial pressures, adding that economic progress must translate into tangible improvements in people’s lives.
He said Kesuma would focus on ensuring the announced measures were properly implemented and reached their intended beneficiaries.
“At Kesuma, we will do our best to ensure that all the measures announced under Budget 2027 are implemented properly and that the benefits reach the people they are meant for.”
“It is not enough to announce good policies; what matters is making sure they bring real improvements to the lives of our workers and their families,” he added.
Beyond wage increases and immediate assistance, Ramanan said the ministry would continue preparing Malaysian workers for changes driven by digitalisation, technological advances and artificial intelligence.
He stressed the importance of providing workers with relevant training and opportunities to remain competitive as technology transforms workplaces and employment requirements.
“With technology, digitalisation and artificial intelligence changing the way we work, we must make sure our workers have the right skills, training and opportunities to keep up with these changes and remain competitive,” he explained.
Ramanan said the government’s broader objective was to ensure workers received fair treatment, adequate protection and better career prospects while sharing in the country’s economic gains.
“At the end of the day, we want Malaysian workers to have better opportunities, fair treatment and proper protection, while ensuring that they too can benefit from the country’s economic growth,” he said.
Earlier, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced that the minimum wage would rise from RM1,700 to RM2,000, benefiting more than four million workers.
A minimum monthly wage of RM2,500 will also be introduced for semi-skilled workers and graduates, addressing concerns that employees with higher qualifications and skills may not be adequately compensated.
The Budget also provides RM160 million in assistance for e-hailing and p-hailing drivers, covering support for earnings, vehicle maintenance, insurance and contributions to the Social Security Organisation (Socso).
The package is expected to raise the median net monthly income of e-hailing drivers by up to RM227, while p-hailing delivery riders could see their monthly income increase by up to RM100.
Separately, financing facilities for Indian entrepreneurs through TEKUN Nasional and Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia will be increased to RM150 million to help small business owners grow their operations.
The allocation for the Malaysian Indian Transformation Unit (MITRA) will also rise to RM150 million, with an emphasis on improving the welfare of Indian youths and supporting the community.
The government has further allocated RM200 million for the Sejahtera MADANI Grant, which is expected to assist 40,000 recipients, particularly women, through equipment and training support.
Anwar said the initiative would help people who already possess the necessary skills but lack the capital to purchase equipment needed to start or expand their businesses. – October 9, 2026