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Is a single minimum wage policy viable option? Evidence from the impact of minimum wage on youth employment in Malaysia

Author

Listed:
  • Hazrul Shahiri
  • Zulkifly Osman
  • Mukhriz Izraf Azman Aziz

Abstract

The present study is aimed to identify an ideal mechanism to reduce negative effect of minimum wage on youth employment generation. Using available data from Department of Statistics, the study runs an annual panel regression at the state level based on fixed effect specification model. The finding demonstrates that the minimum wage has a negative effect on employment, particularly among youth. It implies that there is an excess of labour supply in the market at the current wage rate. As a result, the rate set is higher than equilibrium, signifying firm disadvantages. The negative effect is more prevalent if the single national minimum wage rate policy is applied to all states. Therefore, the national wage policy should be thoroughly examined. Instead, a regional wage rate should be explored as a potential solution for mitigating and preventing negative employment effects.

Suggested Citation

  • Hazrul Shahiri & Zulkifly Osman & Mukhriz Izraf Azman Aziz, 2025. "Is a single minimum wage policy viable option? Evidence from the impact of minimum wage on youth employment in Malaysia," Asian-Pacific Economic Literature, The Crawford School, The Australian National University, vol. 39(1), pages 86-101, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:apacel:v:39:y:2025:i:1:p:86-101
    DOI: 10.1111/apel.12427
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    References listed on IDEAS

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