Sabah workers' rights better protected under SLAC

Borneo Post

13-05-2025

Arifin (seated middle) at the ceremony to present appointment letters to 48 Sabah Labour Advisory Council committee members.
KOTA KINABALU (May 13): The newly established Sabah Labour Advisory Council (SLAC) will play a key role in safeguarding workers' rights and fostering tripartite cooperation between the government, employers and employees in Sabah, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor.
'SLAC's establishment will ensure that the rights and welfare of workers in Sabah are better protected, while helping employers operate in a more orderly and systematic manner,' he said.
Hajiji expressed hope that SLAC would become a platform for employers and employees to share their views and provide input on labour-related issues, enabling the formulation of policies and legislation tailored to Sabah's unique industrial landscape.
The Chief Minister's remarks were delivered by Sabah Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Dr Ariffin Arif during the appointment ceremony of SLAC's permanent members and its inaugural meeting held at the Shangri-La Tanjung Aru Resort on Tuesday.
Hajiji emphasised that SLAC will strengthen collaboration between the State Government and the Federal Government through the State Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation and the Federal Ministry of Human Resources. This tripartite initiative aligns with the International Labour Organisation's Tripartite Consultation Convention (No. 144) of 1976.
The council comprises 48 members — 16 representatives each from the government, employers' associations, and workers' unions. Hajiji urged them to actively provide valuable input that will contribute to Sabah's economic growth.
'Every decision made during SLAC meetings will be brought to the attention of both State and Federal Governments for appropriate action,' he said.
He noted that the Prime Minister's recent National Labour Day announcement marks a significant milestone in Sabah's labour administration. The focus moving forward will include combating forced labour, workplace discrimination, sexual harassment, and improving the protection of women and children, non-resident worker management, flexible work hours, worker housing and facilities, and overall labour welfare.
Hajiji stressed that resolving such issues will enhance investor confidence and contribute to a stable, productive workforce in Sabah.
To support the Sabah Labour Ordinance (Amendment) 2025, the State Government will continue to work closely with all stakeholders to ensure its successful implementation.
'I also urge all employers and industry players to embrace this initiative with patriotism and a commitment to the greater good,' he said.
Hajiji added that SLAC is instrumental in realising the Decent Work Agenda, the core aspiration of the ILO, which seeks a balance between economic progress and worker welfare.
'In Sabah, this agenda aligns with our development goals. It is our responsibility to ensure that these principles are reflected in every policy, practice and action,' he said.
He welcomed the Federal Government's decision to raise the minimum wage from RM1,500 to RM1,700 under the Minimum Wage Order 2024, emphasising the need to fairly compensate workers for their contributions.
Hajiji also commended the Sabah Labour Department for its enforcement efforts in 2024, which benefited 13,487 workers and recovered RM22.2 million through statutory inspections, complaint investigations, and labour court case handling.
He underscored the importance of occupational safety and health, social protection through EPF, SOCSO and the Employment Insurance System, as well as opportunities for skill development, and freedom of association through trade unions.
'Labour laws are not meant to pressure employers, but to maintain continuity and harmony in employment. When workers are protected and valued, productivity rises and the economy thrives. This is the philosophy we want to instill through SLAC,' he concluded.