KUALA LUMPUR, July 23 (Xinhua) -- The Malaysian government will begin enforcement of its minimum wage policy starting Aug. 1, the Human Resources Ministry said.

The government had raised the minimum wage from 1,500 ringgit (354.8 U.S. dollars) per month to 1,700 ringgit starting Feb. 1, with an adjustment period, the ministry said in a statement.

"Without exception, all employers, including those who previously benefited from the deferment period, must comply with monthly minimum wage order," the statement said.

The ministry also urged employers to review their company's wage structure and progressively adjust operations by focusing on productivity enhancement and employee skills training. (1 ringgit equals 0.24 U.S. dollars) ■