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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.
The Star
02-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Savings for union members
United for workers' rights: Anwar (centre) launching the 2025 National Labour Day celebration at Axiata Arena Bukit Jalil. With him are (from left) Sim, Ahmad Zahid, Fadillah and Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar. — FAIHAN GHANI/The Star KUALA LUMPUR: Members of all labour unions will be able to enjoy up to 30% discounts on about 100 selected services and products courtesy of the newly launched Kad Pekerja Madani. All private and public sector union members are eligible to apply for the card which was launched by Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at the national-level Labour Day celebration yesterday. The discounts span across 100 brands and are expected to benefit about one million union members nationwide, the Prime Minister said. According to the Kad Pekerja Madani website, participating brands include those in food and beverage, clothing and education as well as travel sectors. Workers can apply for the card through the Kad Pekerja Madani website and successful applicants will receive a digital card with a unique QR code. One of the aims of the programme is to reduce the living costs of union members through discounts and special perks, the website said. 'It is hoped that the benefits would also attract more workers to join unions and expand the social safety net for workers,' the website said. Present during the card's launch at the Labour Day Carnival 2025 at Axiata Arena Bukit Jalil were Deputy Prime Ministers Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, Human Resources Minister Steven Sim, other Cabinet members and senior government officers. Anwar also presented several awards in conjunction with the national-level Labour Day celebrations. Among them were the Worker Icon Award (Anugerah Tokoh Pekerja), Best Employer, Best Workers' Union and Best Media Agency. In his speech, Anwar urged companies to share their profits with their workers by fairly compensating them. 'Yes I want companies to make profits, but don't keep the profits to yourselves,' he said in his speech at the Labour Day Carnival 2025 at Axiata Arena Bukit Jalil here yesterday. He also said workers' rights go beyond just increasing their wages but involve providing a healthy workplace, training and decent housing. 'Without the cleaners and technicians, We won't achieve success,' he said. Anwar's speech received thunderous applause from over 10,000 attendees at the event who comprised labour union members from the public and private sectors. 'We started with increasing the minimum wage,' he said, referring to the RM1,700 monthly wage level set by the unity government in February. 'When we discussed this matter in the Cabinet, it was not easy as we received a lot of feedback and concerns from some employers,' he said. 'Some employers said there will be no investment, that production costs would increase.' Although the government accepted this feedback, it still had to think of the welfare of the workers at the lowest rungs of society, said Anwar. 'So we increased (the minimum wage) a little to protect their income and provide for their welfare,' he said.
The Star
01-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Anwar launches Madani workers' card, one million workers to enjoy discounts
KUALA LUMPUR: One million union members will receive discounts of up to 30% from over 100 companies offering essential goods and services through the Madani Workers' Card initiative. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced the initiative when delivering a message in conjunction with the 2025 National Labour Day celebration at Axiata Arena, Bukit Jalil here Thursday (May 1). "The Madani Workers' Card will provide union member holders to be given discounts. This is in appreciation of workers for their hard work in carrying out their duties and trust," he said. Among the companies involved in offering access to the discounts are AEON, Mydin, Jakel, Marrybrown, Genting, Old Town White Coffee, Zuss Coffee, SOCAR and Bateriku. He said further details about the Madani Workers' Card would be announced in a media statement soon. Present at the celebration were Deputy Prime Ministers Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, Human Resources Minister Steven Sim, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil and other Cabinet ministers. Also present were the Chief Secretary to the Government, Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar and heads of agencies, including Bernama chief executive officer Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin. The 2025 Labour Day celebration, with the theme "Pekerja Kesuma Bangsa", was enlivened by the presence of more than 10,000 public and private sector workers from various fields. - Bernama
Malaysian Reserve
01-05-2025
- Business
- Malaysian Reserve
PM launches MADANI Workers' Card, one million workers to enjoy discounts
KUALA LUMPUR — One million union members will receive discounts of up to 30 per cent from over 100 companies offering essential goods and services through the MADANI Workers' Card initiative Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced the initiative when delivering a message in conjunction with the 2025 National Labour Day celebration at Axiata Arena, Bukit Jalil here today. 'The Madani Workers' Card will provide union member holders to be given discounts. This is in appreciation of workers for their hardwork in carrying out their duties and trust,' he said. Among the companies involved in offering access to the discounts include AEON, Mydin, Jakel, Marrybrown, Genting, Old Town White Coffee, Zuss Coffee, SOCAR and Bateriku. He said further details about the MADANI Workers' Card would be announced in a media statement soon. Present at the celebration were Deputy Prime Ministers Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, Human Resources Minister Steven Sim, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil and other Cabinet ministers Also present were the Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar and heads of agencies including Bernama chief executive officer Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin. The 2025 Labour Day celebration, with the theme 'Pekerja Kesuma Bangsa', was enlivened by the presence of more than 10,000 public and private sector workers from various fields. — BERNAMA
