Nearly 190,000 GLC workers in Malaysia now earn living wage of RM3,100

Nearly 190,000 Malaysian workers employed by Government-Linked Investment Companies (GLIC) and Government-Linked Companies (GLC) are now earning a minimum of RM3,100 per month, achieving a living wage benchmark. This milestone is a result of a collective commitment made by all six GLICs in May last year to expand the living wage implementation.

Finance Minister II, Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan, stated that as of December 2025, 91.7% of the total 206,987 permanent Malaysian employees across all GLICs and 37 GLCs under them will receive earnings at this rate. He emphasized that the success of the Government-Linked Companies Transformation and Reform (GEAR-uP) program is measured not just by investment returns, but by increased citizen income, better job opportunities, and sustainable business development.

"GEAR-uP functions to convert capital into capability. This means building businesses, creating good jobs, and paying fair wages to Malaysians," Amir Hamzah said at a press conference for the GEAR-up Progress Briefing 2026. He added that the government also considers economic growth that directly benefits citizens, not just monetary gains. Economic growth is also measured by salary increases, good graduate employment, business expansion, and strong supply chains in Malaysia.

The progress report also highlighted that GLICs and GLCs invested RM641 million in community programs throughout 2025, a 20% increase from the previous year. Additionally, scholarship sponsorships have assisted an average of 7,526 students annually between 2020 and 2025, with 88% coming from B40 and M40 households. The GEAR-uP program aims to strengthen the performance of GLICs and GLCs to yield greater returns for the national economy and citizen well-being.