Minimum wage nationwide: Budget hotels will be hard-hit

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Johnny Wong Sie Lee

SIBU: The implementation of RM1,050 minimum wage nationwide starting Jan 1 next year will be a heavy burden to hoteliers, especially budget hotel operators, says Sarawak Central Region Hotel Association chairman Johnny Wong Sie Lee.

He said this is particularly so for hoteliers here (Sibu) who are already facing poor business.

“If the occupancy rate does not recover by yearend, coupled with the implementation of the new minimum wage, budget hotels here will be in for a big blow.

“But there is nothing we can do as this is a requirement,” he lamented.

Nonetheless, Wong said the matter would be discussed during their annual general meeting on Sept 23.

The government will implement a standardised new minimum wage of RM1,050 a month or RM5.05 per hour nationwide from Jan 1 next year,  the Prime Minister’s Office announced in a statement on Wednesday.