KUALA LUMPUR, Oct. 2 -- The SME Association of Malaysia (SMEAM) and the Malaysia Retail Chain Association (MRCA) have jointly sounded an alarm over further proposed minimum wage hikes.

The associations cautioned that a blanket increase could severely strain small and medium enterprises (SMEs) already grappling with economic headwinds.

In a joint press conference held today, SMEAM President Chin Chee Seong unveiled findings from the "SMEAM Quick Business Survey: Minimum Wage Review 2026," which drew 333 responses from a diverse range of sectors, including manufacturing, retail, and food and beverage.

Highlighting the survey feedback, Chin noted that the majority of respondents - 61.6 per cent - reported that their current business condi...