NST Leader: Wages and worries

HERE are two ways employers will respond to the latest minimum wage law that took effect on Feb 1, raising the basic monthly pay from RM1,500 to RM1,700 for bottom-grade workers: gripe in resignation over tough personnel restructuring or exhilarate in recognising fresh financial opportunities. Glass-half-empty employers will fear the overnight cost surge that might disrupt budgets, overhaul operations, or — horrors —bust businesses. Glass half-full types, the entrepreneurially artful in particular, will tap into huge cash reserves in the market by realigning their business to create seductive sales and marketing pitches.