In April, Malaysia introduced a law setting the minimum wage a person can receive, the first time such a law has been passed in the country. In Peninsular Malaysia, the minimum monthly wage is RM900 (RM4.33 per hour), and in East Malaysia it is set slightly lower, at RM800 per month (RM3.85 per hour). The minimum wage is roughly half the average wage in 2010, which was RM1,804 per month.
Companies have been given six months to ensure they comply with the new rules, which will affect some 3.2 million workers,although domestic workers are excluded.