Kathmandu, Oct. 9 -- Malaysia will raise its minimum monthly wage to 2,000 ringgit from June 2027, up from the current 1,700 ringgit, in a move expected to boost earnings for millions of workers, including foreign employees.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced the increase while presenting the country's 2027 budget to parliament on Friday. More than four million workers are expected to benefit from the new rate, he said.

Malaysia's minimum wage rules also cover foreign workers. Employees from Nepal, Bangladesh, Indonesia and other countries are entitled to the same statutory minimum basic wage as Malaysian workers.

Malaysia introduced its minimum wage policy in 2013, setting the monthly rate at 900 ringgit. It rose to 1,000 ringgit ...