labour

This does not apply to employers in professional fields, who must pay the minimum salary of RM1,500 regardless of how many workers they have.

They say there are enough refugees and undocumented migrants in the country to meet industry needs.

The Malaysian Employers Federation says short-term measures are needed until all issues concerning foreign labour recruitment can be resolved.

It has also asked its global suppliers to stop supplying palm oil and palm kernel oil from Sime Darby.

Affected workers include those who earn an income by doing odd jobs, as well as companies with fewer than five workers and those facing huge losses such as the hospitality and tourism sectors.

The memorandum of understanding also paves the way for the re-entry of Indonesian workers in other sectors allowed by Malaysia.

They blame the contract system which they say allows room for exploitation by companies which choose to do so.

This is a four-day increase from the current three days.

Under the new system, applicants will be awarded points based on how many other workers of their nationality are hired by their employer and how many other foreigners work there in relation to local staff.

From Iceland to Australia, governments and business are testing shorter work weeks, be it in fashion or fast food.

Questions arise over cost, productivity and the payment of wages if the conventional work week is trimmed by a day.

Politicians are urged to honour their promises and announce the new minimum wage order in accordance with their manifesto text.