Key Amendments to National Wages Consultative Council Bill Introduced in Dewan Rakyat

The National Wages Consultative Council (Amendment) Bill 2024 was tabled on October 14th, 2024, in the Dewan Rakyat by Deputy Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Mohamad, with its second reading scheduled for the current parliamentary session.

The bill proposes amendments to Section 2 of the National Wages Consultative Council Act 2011 (Act 732), aligning the definition of "contract of service" with the Employment Act 1955, the Sabah Labour Ordinance, and the Sarawak Labour Ordinance.

The changes aim to expand the scope of "contract of service," ensuring that employees under apprenticeship contracts are also covered by minimum wage provisions. This move is expected to enhance wage protections and standardize definitions across various labor laws in Malaysia, providing broader safeguards for workers in different employment categories.