MTUC suggests Act to direct private sector to pay Cola to workers

The Malaysian Trade Union Congress (MTUC) has suggested that the government form an Act that requires the management to pay the cost of living allowance (Cola) to private sector workers.

MTUC deputy president Abdullah Sani Abdul Hamid said the act should also provide for legal action to be taken against employers who fail to pay the allowance, either with a fine or jail sentence.

"I call on the ministry to include the Cola in the minimum wage, form an act, make it compulsory and anyone who does not pay be punished with a RM10,000 fine or jail sentence," he told reporters at the Parliament Lobby here, Thursday.

Last December, the MTUC had suggested that considering the increasing cost of living, a Cola monthly payment of RM300 be paid to the 10 million private sector workers.

However, the Malaysian Employers' Federation (MEF) had rejected the suggestion as it would burden employers.

Meanwhile, MTUC President Khalid Atan when contacted by Bernama, said the government should be an intermediary to find a solution to the matter.

"The government has to interfere and MTUC is willing to meet and discuss," he said.