By Eunice Disi Lole

Lilongwe, 13 May, Mana: Minister of Labour, Peter Dimba, has announced the adjustment of minimum wage of various categories by 40 percent effective immediately.

Dimba made the announcement during a press briefing at Capital Hill in Lilongwe on Tuesday.

He said the increase has, among others, taken into account the devaluation of the Malawi Kwacha against the United States dollar, high inflation rates, rising cost of basic needs, level of economic growth and industrial productivity, base bank lending rates, shortage of foreign currency and avoidance of wage push inflation.

Following the revision, the general minimum wage has increased from K90,000 to K126,000 per month; domestic workers minimum wage has increased from K52,000 to K72,800 per month; micro-enterprise minimum wage from K75,000 to K105,000 per month.

Government has also revised the minimum wage for truck drivers.

International truck drivers driving 30 tonne trucks and above, the minimum wage has been increased from K234,500 to K328,300 per month while for local truck drivers it has been revised from K167,500 to K234,500 per month. 

For trucks below 30 tonnes the minimum wage has been increased from K100,500 to K140,700 per month.

“In addition to that, government has also introduced a category for shop workers. For shops with annual turnover of K500 million per year, the minimum wage for workers in such shops has been set at K150,000,” he said.

Dimba has, therefore, pleaded with the public to abide by this law, failing which is punishable by law.

In an interview, President for Malawi Congress of Trade Unions (MCTU), Charles Kumchenga, said they had proposed a 100 percent increment.

He said the Union is looking forward to discuss more with the government on the issue.