J Solomon of the National Union of Bank Employees called for the immediate implementation of a living wage for all workers, stressing that it must be unconditional and not linked to performance metrics.
In Malaysia, the benchmark living wage is currently set at approximately RM3,100 per month, based on the Belanjawanku Expenditure Guide developed by EPF and Universiti Malaya’s Social Wellbeing Research Centre.
“Every worker deserves fair compensation regardless of a company’s financial performance,” he said.
Solomon also called for low interest housing loans for B40 and M40 workers to make home ownership more accessible, stressing that affordable housing is a fundamental right and forms the cornerstone of financial stability.
He said CEOs drawing exorbitant salaries must be required to share profits equitably with their workforce, adding that profit-sharing mechanisms must be implemented to reflect the collective contributions of all workers.
In addition, Solomon proposed that all B40 and M40 workers receive festival aid equivalent to one month’s salary annually to allow them the opportunity to celebrate at least one major festival with dignity.
He also proposed that the budget offer grants and micro-loans for worker-owned cooperatives and Malaysian-owned micro, small and medium enterprises that uphold fair wage practices, describing these enterprises as key to job creation and equitable economic growth.
Meanwhile, former Klang MP Charles Santiago proposed that the government ease workers’ living costs by reducing utility expenses. He suggested that the government begin the endeavour by installing solar panels in low-cost housing areas nationwide.
“We can have vertical solar panels attached to low-cost houses, like what they’re doing in Singapore and other countries,” he said. “This would allow workers to save on electricity and enjoy more of their wages.”
Better educated workforce
Santiago also called for the government to introduce “bridging courses” aimed at helping academically weaker students avoid being forced into employment in unskilled sectors.
He also proposed that the 2026 budget reform the teaching of technical and vocational education and training (TVET) by offering it to secondary school students starting at age 13.
In addition, Santiago proposed that starting salaries for TVET graduates be raised from RM1,700 to at least RM2,500, arguing that it would incentivise more youth to enrol in such programmes.
The former three-term Klang MP also urged the government to formally recognise informal workers under Budget 2026 to allow them access to social protection and benefits offered by the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) and the Social Security Organisation (Perkeso).
“Sometimes, workers in the informal sector don’t even get minimum wage,” he said.