Deputy human resources minister Abdul Rahman Mohamad said these figures, recorded as of July 29, would indicate the employers’ readiness to implement the policy and system being set up, as well as the improvements needed.

“So far, the highest registrations are from the wholesale and retail trade sectors, followed by motor vehicle and motorcycle repairs with 113 companies accounting for 27%, followed by scientific and technical professions at 22%,” he told the Dewan Negara, reported Utusan Malaysia.

He added that many companies still have the opportunity to open accounts as the registration percentage is still below 50%.

Rahman was responding to senator Husain Awang, who asked the ministry for updates on the progressive wage pilot project involving 1,000 companies.

Rahman said, in line with the project’s timeline, the working committee was still evaluating the pilot project and would finalise its findings by September, to be presented at the executive committee meeting co-chaired by the human resources ministry and the economy ministry.

Last month, Rahman said the implementation of the progressive wage policy would follow the impact assessment of the pilot project carried out from June until August. The policy is due to be implemented in October.

He was quoted by Bernama as saying that, as of June, 237 employers had opened their accounts under the progressive wage policy system and applied to join the pilot project.

A total of RM50 million has been allocated for the pioneer project, including incentive payments for 1,000 employers. The incentive payments are expected to be disbursed in October when they submit their claims.

The incentive payments are expected to benefit 20,000 workers with salaries between RM1,500 and RM4,999.