Latest news with #Arifin
Daily Express
15-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Higher minimum wage good for Sabah's economy
Published on: Thursday, May 15, 2025 Published on: Thu, May 15, 2025 Text Size: Arifin (seated middle) and Zulkfli (seated 2nd from left) in a group photo at the ceremony to present appointment letters to 48 Sabah Labour Advisory Council Committee members. Kota Kinabalu: The increase in Malaysia's minimum wage from RM1,500 to RM1,700 per month could boost the economy, says Sabah Human Resource Department Director Zulkfli Wan Setapa. He explained the concept as the 'velocity of money.' Advertisement 'By increasing the minimum wage, each worker receives an additional RM200. In Sabah, 75pc of the 2.1 million workforce earns approximately RM1,500 per month. This means about one million workers will benefit. 'If each of them receives RM200 more, that amounts to RM200mil injected into the economy every month,' he said. Zulkfli said this after presenting appointment letters to 48 Sabah Labour Advisory Council (SLAC) permanent committee members at the Shangri-La Tanjung Aru Resort on Tuesday (May 13). The ceremony was officiated by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, who was represented by Science, Technology and Innovation Minister, Datuk Dr Mohd Arifin Mohd Arif. Zulkfli said that since these workers still fall below the poverty line, with incomes under RM2,800 per month, they are likely to spend their entire earnings. 'Imagine RM200 million spent on essentials like rice that is income for rice sellers. Then those sellers may buy vegetables, passing the money along. The vegetable sellers may buy fish, and the fishmongers might use the money for their children's tuition. 'If the velocity of money is 10 times, that RM200mil becomes RM2bil circulating monthly. Annually, that is RM20bil injected into the economy, and this will stimulate Sabah's economy,' he explained. He also acknowledged that unemployment in Sabah remains relatively high but said that state-level plans are in place to address the issue. 'We are focused on creating more job opportunities and encouraging Sabahans working in Peninsular Malaysia to return home and contribute to our local economy,' he said. Zulkfli also touched on employment conditions, noting that workers in Sabah are legally entitled to 14 public holidays, adding that employers may provide more if they wish. 'The same applies to annual leave, the minimum is eight days for new employees, but some companies offer more, even up to 20 days. As long as they meet the legal minimum, it's up to the employer's discretion.' Also present at the event was the Federal Human Resources Ministry secretary-general, Datuk Azman Mohd Yusof. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Daily Express
13-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Council to safeguard workers' rights
Published on: Wednesday, May 14, 2025 Published on: Wed, May 14, 2025 Text Size: Arifin (seated middle) at the ceremony to present appointment letters to 48 Sabah Labour Advisory Council committee members. Kota Kinabalu: The newly established Sabah Labour Advisory Council (SLAC) will help to safeguard workers' rights and harmonise tripartite relations between the Government, employers and employees in Sabah, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor. 'SLAC's establishment will ensure that the rights and welfare of workers in Sabah are better protected while helping employers in conducting their business more orderly and systematically. 'I hope that the establishment of SLAC will serve as a platform for employers and employees to share views and give suggestions on labour-related matters to the Government so that policies and legislation that are more suited to Sabah's industrial landscape can be implemented,' he said. Speaking at the appointment ceremony of SLAC's permanent members and its inaugural meeting at the Shangri-La Tanjung Aru Resort Tuesday, Hajiji said the role of SLAC is to strengthen the relationship between the State Government and the Federal Government through the State Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation and the Federal Ministry of Human Resources. State Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Dr Ariffin Arif delivered the Chief Minister's speech. This tripartite discussion involving the Government, employers and employees is in line with the International Labour Organisation's Tripartite Consultation Convention (No. 144) of 1976, he said. Hajiji hopes the Council members, comprising 16 representatives from the Government, 16 from the employers' associations and 16 from the workers' unions, can play their roles and provide valuable input to the Government to benefit Sabah's economic development. 'Every decision made in the SLAC meetings will be brought to the attention of the State and Federal Governments for further action,' he said. Hajiji noted that the Prime Minister's announcement at this year's National Labour Day celebrations marks an important turning point in labour administration in Sabah. 'It will ensure that related issues such as the eradication of forced labour, workplace discrimination and sexual harassment, protection of women and children, management of non-resident workers, flexible working hours, housing and accommodation and workers' facilities can be empowered,' he said. He said resolving all issues related to workers will positively impact Sabah, especially in the economic sector since a stable workforce and efficient labour law system are important elements in attracting investors to the State. The Chief Minister said to ensure the smooth implementation of the amendment to the Sabah Labour Ordinance (Amendment) 2025, the State Government will continue to enhance cooperation with all stakeholders. 'I also urge all employers and industry players to welcome this initiative and fulfil their responsibilities with a deep sense of patriotism for the common good,' he said. He said cooperation between the Government, employers and employees is crucial in the set-up of the SLAC to ensure the Decent Work Agenda, the main aspiration of the International Labour Organisation, can be implemented. 'In Sabah, this aspiration aligns with our State development that emphasises a balance between economic growth and the welfare of the people. It is our responsibility to ensure that the principles of the Decent Work Agenda are not just slogans, but are embedded in every policy, practice and action,' he said. In this regard, Hajiji said the State Government welcomes the Federal Government's move to raise the monthly minimum wage from RM1,500 to RM1,700 through the Minimum Wage Order 2024. 'We must ensure that every worker in Sabah receives a salary that is commensurate with their contributions,' he said. He also congratulated the Sabah Labour Department for its enforcement activities through Statutory Inspections, Complaint Investigations and Labour Court Case Handling last year, which had benefited 13,487 workers involving RM22.2 million. In addition, he said priority must also be given to safety and health, as well as strengthening social protection for workers through the Employees Provident Fund, the Social Security Organisation and the Employment Insurance System. Other measures include enhancing opportunities for skill and career development, as well as upholding freedom of speech and the right to associate in an organisation through trade unions. 'Labour laws are not a form of pressure on employers, but a mechanism to ensure continuity and harmony in employment relations. 'When workers are protected and valued, productivity will increase, and the economy will thrive. This is the philosophy we want to instil through SLAC,' he said. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Borneo Post
13-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Sabah workers' rights better protected under SLAC
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.
Daily Express
23-04-2025
- Politics
- Daily Express
RM50 million religious school for Sandakan
Published on: Wednesday, April 23, 2025 Published on: Wed, Apr 23, 2025 By: jozie John Text Size: Arifin further stated that once established, the school's curriculum would be aligned with that of Al-Azhar University, following the model adopted by other state religious secondary schools. Kota Kinabalu: A Sekolah Menengah Agama Negeri (SMAN) is set to be built in Sandakan at an estimated cost of RM50 million. Sabah Science, Technology and Innovation Minister, Datuk Dr Mohd Arifin Mohd Arif, said the state government made the proposal through Sabah Islamic Religious Affairs Department (Jheains). 'The proposal has been included as one of the development projects under the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK-13) and the school is to be built within the Batu 10 education hub area in Sungai Batang, Sandakan,' he said. Arifin, who also serves as the state's Education Exco, noted that the Sandakan division currently has 10 Sekolah Agama Negeri (SAN) with a total enrolment of 1,484 students. 'In view of this, establishing a SMAN is crucial to accommodate SAN students wishing to pursue secondary-level religious education in the same stream,' he said. He was responding to a question raised by Datuk Jaffari Waliam (Nominated Assemblyman) on whether the State Government planned to build a SMAN in Sandakan. Arifin further stated that once established, the school's curriculum would be aligned with that of Al-Azhar University, following the model adopted by other state religious secondary schools. 'The curriculum will cover areas such as Usuluddin, Syariah, Ulum Syariah, Lughah Arabiah, and Arabic literature,' he said. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
