Full implementation of minimum wage policy in January 2014 may drive up cost of food, drinks further

14/11/2013, Sibu: The price of drinks here has increased by between 20 and 50 sen after the government removed the sugar subsidy recently.

Some foods that are not related to the sugarsubsidy also cost more now. But Sibu Coffee Shop and Restaurant Owners Association chairman Tong Ing Kok cautioned that an uglier nightmare might arise in less than two months` time.

This is because the workers` minimum wage policy will be fully implemented by the government in January 2014, and this would translate to higher cost in doing business as it would drive up rental, commodity, water and electricity charges, fuel and transportation costs, among others.