PETALING JAYA (Sept 17, 2012): The RM900 minimum wage set by the government for Peninsular Malaysia should also be set for Sabah and Sarawak, said non-governmental organisation (NGO) Oppressed People Network (Jerit).

"What is the rationale of providing a minimum wage below the poverty line in east Malaysia? The cost of living in east Malaysia is 30-40% higher than in Peninsular Malaysia," said Jerit.

The NGO also called for wealth redistribution to reduce the income disparity in Sabah and Sarawak, noting that they are rich with natural resources.

"Both Sabah and Sarawak have plenty of resources from timber and oil and also have wealth from the plantation industry. But both states remain among the poorest in Malaysia," it said in its statement in conjunction with Malaysia Day last Sunday.

Jerit pointed out that native land protection has been a problem for the indigenous peoples of Sabah and Sarawak.

"They are struggling to get the states to give due recognition to their customary land rights. There are many incidents where indigenous people have been forcefully removed from their customary land in the name of development."

The NGO also called for the lifting of the ban on activists seeking entry to Sabah and Sarawak.

"If the government really appreciates the integration of society between Sabah, Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia, do not discriminate the people who have been critical of the state governments or of those who merely want to help to empower the marginalised people in the two states," the statement said.