Latest news with #SLAC
Borneo Post
4 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Sabah to have one-stop labour service centre
Steven Sim KOTA KINABALU (June 2): The Human Resources Ministry (KESUMA) will set up a one-stop labour service centre in Sabah. Its minister, Steven Sim Chee Keong, said the new initiative will consolidate various employment-related services under one roof. Sim announced this during a recent working visit to the Sabah Medical Services Union (SMSU) as part of his ministry's ongoing efforts to engage with workers and strengthen labour protections and welfare nationwide. Previously, the minister had outlined plans to set up three pilot centres in Penang, the Klang Valley and Johor Bahru. The Sabah centre marks the latest step in expanding this initiative across the country, with hopes for its realization in the coming months. 'We will create a one-stop centre in Sabah. All worker-related issues — whether involving the Labour Department (JTK), the Department of Industrial Relations (JPPM), the Trade Union Affairs Department (JHEKS), PERKESO, etc.—can be addressed in one place. Workers won't need to go back and forth between different offices,' Sim said in a statement released by KESUMA on Monday. He commended SMSU for its over 60 years of service in advocating for workers' welfare, particularly in Sabah's healthcare sector, praising its members as 'frontline heroes' who sacrificed greatly during the Covid-19 pandemic. Sim also highlighted KESUMA's key achievement: the long-delayed approval of the Sabah Labour Ordinance and Sarawak Labour Ordinance, stalled for over 20 years before finally being passed by Parliament in 2024. These amendments, effective from 1 May 2025 (except for Part IVA on minimum housing standards for workers), harmonize labour rights and protections nationwide. 'We cannot let workers in Sabah and Sarawak remain behind in protections. This success was not mine alone but a collective effort — MTUC, trade unions, state governments, and KESUMA officials, including JTK Sabah director Wan Zulkifli Wan Setapa,' he explained. In another milestone, the minister celebrated the establishment of the Sabah Labour Advisory Council (SLAC) on 13 May 2025, congratulating SMSU president Ajulahin Japin and executive secretary Laurence Vun on their SLAC appointments. Ajulahin was also appointed a permanent member of the National Labour Advisory Council (NLAC) starting 1 May 2025. NLAC serves as a tripartite platform (employers, workers, government) advising on labour policies and legislation. To boost union participation, KESUMA launched the MADANI Worker Card, offering 10–30% discounts at selected businesses, with plans to recruit more companies. SMSU also received a 260% increase in 2025 grants (RM111,900 vs. RM33,000 in 2024), reflecting the raised national PHEKS grant allocation from RM2.6 million (2023) to RM10 million (2025). As added support, Sabah Minister of Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe announced a RM5,000 special allocation for SMSU. The visit underscores KESUMA's commitment to amplifying workers' voices, expanding service access, and embedding MADANI principles in equitable, inclusive labour development nationwide.
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
Minimum wage hike will spur Sabah's economy
Zulkfli (left), Azman (centre), and Mohd Arifin at the SLAC appointment ceremony. KOTA KINABALU (May 13): The recent increase in the minimum wage from RM1,500 to RM1,700 per month is expected to significantly stimulate Sabah's economy, said Sabah Human Resource Department (JTK Sabah) director Zulkfli Wan Setapa. 'I'll give you an example. In economic terms, this relates to the velocity of money. With the RM200 increase, every worker will have more to spend,' he said. 'In Sabah, about 75 percent of the 2.1 million workers earn around RM1,500 per month. That's roughly one million workers who will benefit from the increment. Multiply that by RM200, and you get RM200 million injected into the economy every month,' he added. Zulkfli was speaking to the media after the handing over of appointment letters to 48 permanent members of the Sabah Labour Advisory Council (SLAC) at the Shangri-La Tanjung Aru Resort on Tuesday. The event was officiated by Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Mohd Arifin Mohd Arif who represented the Chief Minister. Zulkfli pointed out that since many of the wage earners fall below the poverty line (defined as earning under RM2,800/month), the additional income is likely to be spent entirely on necessities. 'Imagine RM200 million spent on essentials like rice. That's RM200 million in income for rice sellers. The rice sellers might then spend on vegetables, the vegetable vendors on fish, and the fishmongers on tuition for their children. This chain reaction keeps the money circulating,' he explained. 'If the velocity of money is 10 times, that RM200 million can translate to RM2 billion circulating in the economy each month. Over a year, that's RM20 billion — a major boost for Sabah's economy.' He also acknowledged that unemployment in Sabah remains relatively high but assured that the State Government is implementing more effective strategies to address the issue. 'We're focusing on job creation and also encouraging Sabahans working in West Malaysia to return and contribute to the local economy,' he said. On another note, Zulkfli addressed concerns regarding public holidays and leave entitlements for workers in the state. He clarified that under current labour laws, employers are required to provide a minimum of 14 public holidays per year. 'Anything beyond that is up to the employer. Some may voluntarily offer more. The same goes for annual leave — the statutory minimum is eight days, but some employers provide 10, 12, 15, or even up to 20 days. What's important is that they meet the minimum requirement,' he said. Also present at the event was Datuk Azman Mohd Yusof, Secretary-General of the Federal Ministry of Human Resources.
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
13-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Hajiji: Good labour laws key to Sabah's economic growth
KOTA KINABALU: Labour laws should be seen as a tool to create a fair and productive work environment, not as a burden, says Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor ( pic ). "When workers are protected and valued, productivity improves and the economy flourishes. That is the philosophy we aim to instil through the Sabah Labour Advisory Council (SLAC). "The labour laws are not a burden on employers, they are a mechanism for sustaining harmony in the workplace," he said, adding that the newly launched SLAC is set to protect workers' rights and foster stronger collaboration between the state government, employers, and employees. He stated this in his speech, delivered by State Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Dr Ariffin Arif, at the council's appointment ceremony and inaugural meeting at Shangri-La Tanjung Aru Resort on Tuesday (May 13). SLAC, he explained, will serve as a platform for employers and employees to exchange views and propose improvements on labour-related matters, allowing Sabah to craft policies more suited to its unique industrial landscape. Comprising 48 permanent members, with 16 each representing the government, employers' associations, and workers' unions, the council's structure mirrors the International Labour Organisation's (ILO) Tripartite Consultation Convention (No. 144) of 1976. "All decisions made by SLAC will be submitted to both the state and federal governments for further action," he added. Hajiji said SLAC would also strengthen cooperation between the state and federal governments, particularly through the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation and the Ministry of Human Resources. He also welcomed the Federal Government's move to raise the national minimum wage from RM1,500 to RM1,700 under the Minimum Wage Order 2024, saying every worker deserves to be paid in accordance with their contributions. Citing the Prime Minister's Labour Day announcement, he described it as a turning point for labour administration in Sabah, especially with plans to address forced labour, workplace discrimination, sexual harassment, housing, protection for women and children, and improved working conditions. A stable and well-regulated labour system, he said, is essential for drawing investments and strengthening Sabah's economic foundation. To support the Sabah Labour Ordinance (Amendment) 2025, the state government will continue engaging all stakeholders. "I urge all employers and industry players to support this initiative and fulfil their responsibilities with a strong sense of patriotism," he said. Hajiji also praised the Sabah Labour Department for helping resolve over RM22.2mil worth of claims involving 13,487 workers last year through inspections and labour court action. He stressed the importance of worker safety, social protection through EPF, Socso, and the Employment Insurance System, and the need to uphold freedom of expression and trade union participation. "The Decent Work Agenda must not remain a slogan – it must be embedded in our policies, practices, and actions. In Sabah, we strive to balance economic progress with the well-being of our people," he said.
