Latest news with #SabahLabourAdvisoryCouncil
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
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.
Barnama
13-05-2025
- Politics
- Barnama
SLAC To Serve As Platform To Safeguard Workers' Rights In Sabah
GENERAL KOTA KINABALU, May 13 (Bernama) -- The establishment of the Sabah Labour Advisory Council (SLAC) will serve as a platform to safeguard workers' rights and strengthen the tripartite relationship between the government, employers, and employees in the state. Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said the council would ensure that the rights and welfare of workers in Sabah are protected and upheld, while also assisting employers in conducting their businesses in a more structured and efficient manner. He expressed hope that the council would serve as a platform for employers and workers to exchange views and offer suggestions on labour-related matters to the government, enabling the formulation of policies and legislation which are better aligned with Sabah's industrialisation goals. 'Cooperation between the government, employers, and workers is crucial in the formation of SLAC, to ensure the successful implementation of the Decent Work Agenda, which is the primary aspiration of the International Labour Organisation (ILO),' he said during the SLAC's permanent members' appointment ceremony and its inaugural meeting, held here, today. The text of his speech was delivered by Sabah Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Datuk Dr Mohd Ariffin Mohd Arif. Hajiji also expressed hope that the appointment of 16 council members, comprising representatives from the government, employers' associations, and workers' unions, will contribute meaningfully, by providing valuable input to the government in support of Sabah's economic development. In addition, SLAC is expected to play a role in strengthening collaboration between the state and federal governments, through the Sabah Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation and the Ministry of Human Resources. He said that SLAC will help ensure that critical issues, such as the eradication of forced labour, workplace discrimination and sexual harassment; the protection of women and children; management of non-resident workers; flexible working arrangements; and housing and worker facilities, continue to be addressed and strengthened. He added that tripartite discussions between the government, employers, and workers are in line with the Tripartite Consultations to Promote the Implementation of International Labour Standards 1976 (Convention No. 144).
Daily Express
13-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Sabah workers rights strengthened through SLAC
Published on: Tuesday, May 13, 2025 Published on: Tue, May 13, 2025 Text Size: KOTA KINABALU: The newly formed Sabah Labour Advisory Council (SLAC) will enhance worker protection and foster stronger ties between the state government, employers, and employees, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor. Speaking at SLAC's inaugural meeting, Hajiji said the council will serve as a platform for tripartite discussions aligned with the International Labour Organisation's Tripartite Consultation Convention, enabling better policies tailored to Sabah's labour landscape. SLAC comprises 48 members, 16 each from the government, employers, and workers' unions. It aims to address key issues such as forced labour, non-resident worker welfare, flexible hours, and workers' facilities. Decisions will be submitted to both State and Federal Governments. Hajiji expressed support for the Federal Government's move to raise the minimum wage from RM1,500 to RM1,700, stating fair pay is crucial to workforce stability and investor confidence. He also lauded the Sabah Labour Department for helping over 13,000 workers recover RM22.2 million last year through enforcement and case resolution. Other key priorities include enhancing workplace safety, social protection, career development, and trade union rights. Hajiji stressed that labour laws should be seen as a means to sustain harmony and boost productivity, not as a burden to employers. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
