JP: Qasim did not complain that the minimum wage was “too high”

Jumhoory Party (JP) has denied the reports that the party’s Leader Qasim Ibrahim – an owner of multiple local businesses – had complained to President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih that the minimum wage amount recommended by the Minimum Wage Board was “too high”.

Multiple local media outlets have reported that Qasim had complained that the minimum wage amount was “too high” – to President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.

Spokesperson of JP Ali Solih denied the reports – adding that Qasim has not held any discussions regarding minimum wage with President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. He also described making such reports as an act of defamation against Qasim.

“No doubt the writings were publicized as they due are unable to accept that fact the public show ever-increasing love and respect towards Honorable Qasim Ibrahim,” he added.

Minimum Wage Board had recently finalized the amounts to be allotted as the lowest wage permitted to be paid to employees – and sent their recommendations to Economic Minister Fayyaz Ismail for approval.

A Wage Board Member explained to Sun that minimum wage was made up for four main categories – and decided based on how much an employee would be paid per hour.

When minimum wage is implemented, hose working in small-ranged businesses will get at least MVR 6,000 as their monthly salary – for working eight hours per day.

Civil servants are considered as mid-ranged business employees. In this regard, mid-ranged business employees will get at least MVR 7000 as their monthly salary – for working six hours per day.

Those working large businesses will get at least MVR 10,000 as their monthly salary – for working eight hours per day.

Minimum wage would be implemented once the Minister reviews the Board’s recommendations and passes it in the form of a decree.