While he welcomed the wage increase for government employees, Pasir Gudang MP Hassan Karim said there are non-civil servants, such as cleaners, security guards and gardeners, working in schools, hospitals and government clinics on contracts.

“These informal workers, who are spread across the country, are often exploited by their employers and contractors,” he said in a Facebook post today.

“They need government intervention to protect their welfare.”

Hassan said they face several challenges, including low-pay ladders, long working hours, and a lack of EPF and Socso contributions. They also suffer from job insecurity and are often denied a minimum wage.

“It is hoped that the government, especially the human resources ministry, will help resolve the problems faced by these many informal workers,” he said.

Yesterday, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced that a salary increase of between 7% and 15% will come into effect from Dec 1 under the new Public Service Remuneration System.

Civil servants in top management will receive a 7% wage hike while those categorised as implementers, managers and professionals will see a 15% pay increase.

However, the increments will be implemented in two phases, with Phase 1 on Dec 1 and Phase 2 on Jan 1 next year.