Jul 17 2008
Plantation workers earn higher than poverty line
This is an interesting news because last year May, there was an increment of about 9 percent in the plantation workers’ wage under new collective agreement signed between NUPM and MAPA. The lowest a field worker can earn will be between RM500 and RM600.
Now, senator Kohilan who is the Plantation Industries and Commodities Deputy Minister says, on average an oil palm or rubber plantation general worker now earned RM750 a month while an oil palm harvester about RM1,100 a month, which is above the rural poverty line of RM740.
Actually poverty rate in Peninsular is RM691 and as far as I know have not been reviewed yet. for rural area, poverty line was found to be RM698. There are some others who indicate poverty rate to be about RM680. Some states also calculate their own poverty line, like Selangor who increased it to be RM1500. This means that workers are earning higher than the poverty line of RM691.
He further adds that:
Most plantation workers also do not have to spend on house rental,
medical charges (at the clinics) and pre-school education for their
children as all these facilities are provided by the plantation
management
What he says is true, but plantation workers (locals) have to think about the future - means they have to buy a house and service the loan. Groceries and education cost increases. These workers, like any other, must consider taking insurance for their children. Traveling, clothing, vacation and entertainment cost increases. I consider these new “expenses” as necessity since we are moving towards developed, progressive, and knowledge-based society.
I hope to see poverty line to be increased to a suitable amount that considers the need of 5 family members in current economic and social settings. Maybe to RM1200 or 1800 even.
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