Anwar urged the nation’s largest companies to reassess whether they could improve wages and overall conditions for their workforce.
KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called on major corporations to do more to safeguard workers’ welfare, stressing that economic progress must be matched with fair treatment and protection for employees.
Speaking at the Labour Day Celebration 2026 today, he said that while Malaysia continues to record strong investments, economic growth and currency performance, the question remains whether workers, particularly those at lower and middle levels, are receiving adequate protection.
“I want workers, employers and wealthy companies to hear this clearly.
“The country must be safe and continue to develop, but it must also guarantee that the fate of workers is protected,” he said.
Anwar urged the nation’s largest companies to reassess whether they could improve wages and overall conditions for their workforce.
“Today, I once again urge the richest companies in Malaysia, the top 10, top 20, top 50, to examine how they treat their workers. This is a responsibility that must be fulfilled.
“Earning tens of millions, yet wages increase by only RM40, is that reasonable?
“I want to use this platform, in front of workers, to make this clear: if we want to preserve this country as peaceful and more inclusive, there must be a spirit of compassion in our national framework,” he said.
He stressed that the issue of workers’ welfare cannot be ignored amid positive economic indicators.
“I am told that a Prime Minister should not speak like this, that I should speak in a more structured and formal manner.
“It is true that our investments are at their highest in history. It is true that our economic achievements are strong. It is true that our currency is among the best-performing in Asia.
“But the next question is this..in a peaceful country, built on the sacrifices of soldiers, police, security forces and workers at all levels who face risks every day, is it true that the government, especially for those at the middle and lower levels, has done enough? What is their fate? Are they adequately protected?”
Anwar also called for a collective sense of responsibility, emphasising that national stability, productivity and cleanliness rely on contributions from all levels of society, from security personnel to sanitation workers.
“Can we reflect and ask whether they are given sufficient attention and justice?
“The country’s wealthiest companies should review how they treat their employees. It is a responsibility that must be fulfilled to ensure Malaysia remains peaceful and inclusive,” he added.
He added that his proposal does not involve forcing companies into losses, but rather encouraging leaders in both the public and private sectors to act with greater compassion and accountability.
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