Sabah strengthens labour laws to protect workers' rights
KOTA KINABALU (May 19): The Sabah State Government is taking a proactive approach to strengthen workers' rights through amendments to its labour laws, reflecting a firm commitment to international standards and fair employment practices.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, Datuk Mohd Hanafiah Mohd Kassim, said the amendments underscore the government's determination to protect workers from abuse, including issues such as child labour and underpayment.
'All this is for the better — to ensure we provide protection against any form of abuse,' he said at the launch of the Sabah-Level 2025 Labour Legislation Transformation Programme held at Le Meridien today.
He stressed that some sectors have been found to neglect basic rights, making it essential for the government to step in with clear legal protections.
'We are fine-tuning the laws so that they can be clearly understood by the people,' he added.
Hanafiah highlighted that the transformation will be carried out in stages, with multiple platforms for engagement to ensure widespread awareness. While he acknowledged the state's push for industrial growth, he cautioned that it must not come at the expense of workers' rights.
'According to the Statistics Department, we are quite behind. However, catching up does not mean we can bypass rights that must be upheld. There is no shortcut,' he emphasized, adding that the effort involves cooperation from various bodies, including the National Wages Consultative Council and Cuepacs.
The programme, he said, signals the government's commitment to ensuring labour reforms reach all levels of society — from policymakers to grassroots workers. He noted that shifts in employment trends, including digitalisation and work-life balance, demand timely updates to the legislation.
'With close cooperation between the government, employers and trade unions, we can build a fairer, more inclusive, and progressive employment ecosystem,' he said.
As the workforce enters a new era shaped by digital transformation, social security and equity, Hanafiah asserted that legal frameworks must evolve to keep pace.
'I have been informed that several important amendments have been made to key acts such as the Sabah Labour Ordinance, the Industrial Relations Act and the Trade Unions Act, which now provide broader protection for workers,' he added.
Given Sabah's diverse economic sectors — including agriculture, tourism, manufacturing and services — implementing inclusive and transparent labour policies is crucial. He welcomed the participation of all stakeholders to ensure every voice is heard in shaping these reforms.
As Permanent Secretary, Hanafiah noted the role of innovation in reshaping the employment landscape and called for legislation that supports new forms of work in the digital economy, balancing productivity with well-being.
'I am confident that programmes such as this will strengthen understanding, encourage open dialogue and build collaborative networks across sectors,' he said, expressing hope for lasting benefits to Sabah's workforce and its socio-economic development.
On the issue of workers' housing, Hanafiah noted that federal laws mandating minimum standards have yet to be enforced in Sabah.
'The law has not been enforced in Sabah yet,' he said, adding that stakeholder consultations are still ongoing.
Meanwhile, Director General of Trade Unions, Mohd Asri Abdul Wahab, said the programme is a strategic collaboration involving the Trade Union Affairs Department , the National Wages Consultative Council, the Malaysian Industrial Relations Department and the Sabah Labour Department.
He explained that the objective is to inform key stakeholders — including agencies, employers' associations and trade unions — about the implementation and enforcement of amendments to three key Acts: the Trade Unions Act 1959 (Amendment 2024), the Industrial Relations Act (Amendment 2020), and the Labour Ordinance Cap. 67 (Amendment 2025).
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