The focus of the discussion was the hourly minimum wage. According to the government, an analysis of economic changes, labor market conditions, employee compensation, and business performance indicates room for an upward adjustment. Authorities have proposed raising the minimum wage to between MOP35 and MOP37 per hour.
Macau’s current minimum wage stands at MOP34 per hour, in effect since January 1st, 2024. From November 1st, 2020, until December 31st, 2023, the standard was set at MOP32 per hour.
During the meeting, the Labor Affairs Bureau cited data from the Statistics and Census Service to support the review. The bureau will gather feedback from both employers and employees before submitting a formal recommendation to the Chief Executive.
Labor representative Choi Kam Fu, vice president of the Macau Federation of Trade Unions (FAOM), voiced support for raising the rate to MOP37, stressing the need to protect low-income workers. He also urged the government to complete reviews and implement adjustments within two years to avoid delays, ensuring the system remains evidence-based and reflective of social realities.
However, Vong Kok Seng, vice president of the board of directors of the Macau Chamber of Commerce (ACM), strongly opposed the proposal. He argued that the local business environment remains weak, with sluggish consumer demand and an incomplete recovery.
He noted that small- and medium-sized enterprises, in particular, are under heavy pressure from soaring rents, limited access to bank loans, and shrinking credit lines. Further wage hikes, he said, would only increase their burden. Vong stressed that wages should be determined by market supply and demand rather than government mandates, calling on authorities to provide more supportive measures for SMEs instead of imposing additional regulation.
