HULU SELANGOR: The government is in the process of finding the best way to improve the workers’ income levels, especially those in the manufacturing industry, with the implementation of the New Economic Model (NEM).Human Resource Minister Datuk Dr S Subramaniam said in line with the NEM’s concept towards a high-income country, an in-depth study was being conducted by the ministry to ensure that workers were highly skilled and received sufficient income.
“In the government’s efforts to create the NEM, a change is needed to reduce labour in industries which lack specialisation.
“For example, if a job for two people can be done by one worker then it can reduce labour and at the same time increase worker specialisation in addition to better pay,” he told reporters after visiting the PEPS JV (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd automotive factory in Batang Kali, here yesterday. He said members of the industry needed to be more alert towards high-technology equipment which could be used to boost productivity.
Subramaniam added that many challenges existed in implementing the NEM, including big investment to allow the industry to change its operating system which required skilled workers and sophisticated machines.
However, he said the government would continue to tackle these challenges and assist industry players for the success of the NEM. — Bernama