Former Sungai Siput MP Dr Michael Jeyakumar Devaraj is relieved by the government’s announcement that the minimum wage is set to be increased by RM300 on May 1, but is sounding the reminder that even the new figure of RM1,500 is substantially short of a living wage.

In an interview with Malaysiakini, he called for the government to strengthen social protections and consider introducing a universal pension scheme.

“Yes, a RM300 increase is a good step but it is still far short of a living wage.

“A few years back, Bank Negara came out with...