The average monthly salary in Malaysia increased by 5.8 percent to RM3,212 compared to RM3,037 in 2021, according to the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM).
Meanwhile, the median salary and monthly wages of workers in this country are at RM2,424, up 7.7 percent from RM2,250 last year.
This situation also shows that half or 50 percent of full-time citizen workers in this country receive salaries and wages below RM2,424.
Malaysia’s Chief Statistician, Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin, said in 2022, the global economy faces significant challenges, including supply chain disruptions, commodity price spikes, energy crises, and high inflation rates before moderating in the fourth quarter.
The government has increased the minimum wage level to RM1,500 from May 2022, which heralds a monthly wage of RM1,500 for workers in all sectors, as a move expected to increase the overall wage and salary level in the country compared to previous years.
These statistics are compiled based on the Salary & Wages Survey conducted by DOSM using the household approach to measure monthly salaries and wages received by full-time or equivalent employees among Malaysian citizens working in the public and private sectors based on their main occupation.
Out of the total working population of 15.39 million people recorded last year, the number of full-time workers paid salaries and wages among Malaysians is 9.95 million.
Also, the monthly average for urban and rural areas increased to RM3,351 for urban areas and RM2,393 for rural areas compared to 2021.
The average salary and monthly wages for urban areas recorded an increase of 5.1 percent, while rural areas showed a relatively more significant increase of 10.5 percent.
By state, the average monthly salary and wages showed that Putrajaya recorded the highest average at RM4,666.
In addition, four other states also exceeded the national average at RM3,212, namely Kuala Lumpur (RM4,207), Selangor (RM3,737), Labuan (RM3,418), and Penang (RM3,313).
Anisa is a writer who focuses on career and lifestyle topics in an effort to motivate both job searchers and employers towards greater fulfillment in their professional lives.
The average monthly salary in Malaysia increased by 5.8 percent to RM3,212 compared to RM3,037 in 2021, according to the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM).