Labour rights outreach crucial to rural development, says MP
KUCHING (July 1): Puncak Borneo MP Datuk Willie Mongin has lauded the proactive efforts of the Sarawak Labour Department in expanding workers' rights awareness and labour-related services to rural communities through the Labour Go Rural Area Programme 6.0 (LGRAP 6.0).
He said it is important to ensure that both employers and workers across Sarawak are well informed about recent improvements made to the state's labour laws.
Since the amendments to the Sarawak Labour Ordinance (Chapter 76) came into effect on May 1 this year, Willie noted the department has taken commendable steps to update the public on these changes.
'This includes awareness on matters such as maternity and paternity leave, shorter working hours, and other critical employment rights,' he said during the official launch and flag-off ceremony of LGRAP 6.0 at the Sultan Iskandar Building here yesterday.
He described the department's role as vital in maintaining workplace harmony, ensuring fair dispute resolution between employers and employees, and upholding enforcement through regular statutory inspections conducted by its 16 branches throughout Sarawak.
'Such efforts are aligned with both federal and state governments' aspirations to drive social and economic development. I urge employers, workers, training institutions and local communities to work closely with the department to build a fair, inclusive, and progressive employment ecosystem,' he added.
LGRAP, now in its sixth iteration, is a strategic outreach initiative by the Ministry of Human Resources aimed at bridging the gap in labour services between urban and rural areas. Willie noted the initiative has benefitted thousands of Sarawakians by bringing advisory services and labour rights education directly to rural communities.
The programme also saw participation from various agencies including the National Wages Consultative Council, the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Council, the Royal Malaysia Police, and the Ministry of Health, all of which held exhibitions and talks during the event.
'This reflects the strong cooperation between federal and state-level departments in delivering direct, quality services to the public,' said Willie.
He commended the Sarawak Labour Department for organising the event and expressed confidence that such initiatives will further raise awareness among Sarawakians regarding their legal rights as workers.
Willie also thanked all parties involved in the programme and expressed hope that similar initiatives will continue in the future.
He later launched the Ministry of Human Resources' Customer Day and flagged off the LGRAP 6.0 convoy, wishing participants a safe and successful outreach mission across Sarawak. lead rural areas Sarawak Labour Department Willie Mongin
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