Latest news with #SabahLabourOrdinance
The Sun
12 hours ago
- Business
- The Sun
KESUMA to establish one-stop labour service centre in Sabah
KOTA KINABALU: The Human Resources Ministry (KESUMA) will establish a One-Stop Labour Service Centre in Sabah as a new initiative to consolidate various employment-related services under one roof. Its minister, Steven Sim said the setting up the centre in Sabah marks the latest step towards expanding this initiative throughout the country. 'We hope this one-stop centre will be realised in the months to come. 'All worker-related issues, whether concerning the Labour Department, Department of Industrial Relations Malaysia, Department of Trade Union Affairs, PERKESO (Social Security Organisation) and so on, can be referred to one place only Workers no longer need to travel back and forth to various offices,' he said in a statement after making a working visit to the Sabah Medical Services Union (SMSU) here today. Sim said that the passing of the Sabah Labour Ordinance and Sarawak Labour Ordinance in Parliament last year was a major achievement for KESUMA because it was finally passed after being delayed for over 20 years. 'This step allows for the alignment of workers' rights and protection across the country. We cannot let workers in Sabah and Sarawak continue to lag behind in terms of protection. The success of amending these ordinances is not solely my effort but a collective one with the Malaysian Trade Union Congress, trade unions, the state government and KESUMA officers. 'The Sabah Labour Ordinance (Amendment) Act 2025 and Sarawak Labour Ordinance (Amendment) Act 2025 have come into effect from May 1, 2025, except for Part IVA, which contains special provisions related to minimum standards for housing, accommodation and worker facilities,' he said. In the meantime, Sim hopes that SMSU can increase its membership from 8,000 to 10,000 in line with the national target to double the number of union members from one million to two million. 'Joining the union means we strengthen the voice of the workers. With balanced bargaining power, only then will workers' welfare be more assured. 'To encourage participation in the union, KESUMA launched the MADANI Employee Card initiative, which offers discounts ranging from 10 to 30 per cent at selected premises and businesses. Efforts to involve more companies are also actively being pursued to expand benefits for every member,' he also said. Meanwhile, SMSU president Ajulahin Japin said that they appreciate the various reforms brought since Sim took the lead in KESUMA, especially involving the full enforcement of the Sabah Labour Ordinance on May 1 this year, as well as the official establishment of the Sabah Labour Advisory Council (SLAC) on May 13. Ajulahin also said he is among the 16 union representatives who received their appointment letters as permanent committee members, and that he has also been appointed to the permanent committee within the National Labour Advisory Council (NLAC) starting from May 1.
The Sun
12 hours ago
- Business
- The Sun
KESUMA to establish one-stop labour service centre in Sabah, says Sim
KOTA KINABALU: The Human Resources Ministry (KESUMA) will establish a One-Stop Labour Service Centre in Sabah as a new initiative to consolidate various employment-related services under one roof. Its minister, Steven Sim said the setting up the centre in Sabah marks the latest step towards expanding this initiative throughout the country. 'We hope this one-stop centre will be realised in the months to come. 'All worker-related issues, whether concerning the Labour Department, Department of Industrial Relations Malaysia, Department of Trade Union Affairs, PERKESO (Social Security Organisation) and so on, can be referred to one place only Workers no longer need to travel back and forth to various offices,' he said in a statement after making a working visit to the Sabah Medical Services Union (SMSU) here today. Sim said that the passing of the Sabah Labour Ordinance and Sarawak Labour Ordinance in Parliament last year was a major achievement for KESUMA because it was finally passed after being delayed for over 20 years. 'This step allows for the alignment of workers' rights and protection across the country. We cannot let workers in Sabah and Sarawak continue to lag behind in terms of protection. The success of amending these ordinances is not solely my effort but a collective one with the Malaysian Trade Union Congress, trade unions, the state government and KESUMA officers. 'The Sabah Labour Ordinance (Amendment) Act 2025 and Sarawak Labour Ordinance (Amendment) Act 2025 have come into effect from May 1, 2025, except for Part IVA, which contains special provisions related to minimum standards for housing, accommodation and worker facilities,' he said. In the meantime, Sim hopes that SMSU can increase its membership from 8,000 to 10,000 in line with the national target to double the number of union members from one million to two million. 'Joining the union means we strengthen the voice of the workers. With balanced bargaining power, only then will workers' welfare be more assured. 'To encourage participation in the union, KESUMA launched the MADANI Employee Card initiative, which offers discounts ranging from 10 to 30 per cent at selected premises and businesses. Efforts to involve more companies are also actively being pursued to expand benefits for every member,' he also said. Meanwhile, SMSU president Ajulahin Japin said that they appreciate the various reforms brought since Sim took the lead in KESUMA, especially involving the full enforcement of the Sabah Labour Ordinance on May 1 this year, as well as the official establishment of the Sabah Labour Advisory Council (SLAC) on May 13. Ajulahin also said he is among the 16 union representatives who received their appointment letters as permanent committee members, and that he has also been appointed to the permanent committee within the National Labour Advisory Council (NLAC) starting from May 1.
Borneo Post
a day 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.
Borneo Post
19-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Sabah strengthens labour laws to protect workers' rights
Mohd Hanafiah (seated right) and Mohd Asri (seated left) at the event. KOTA KINABALU (May 19): The Sabah State Government is taking a proactive approach to strengthen workers' rights through amendments to its labour laws, reflecting a firm commitment to international standards and fair employment practices. Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, Datuk Mohd Hanafiah Mohd Kassim, said the amendments underscore the government's determination to protect workers from abuse, including issues such as child labour and underpayment. 'All this is for the better — to ensure we provide protection against any form of abuse,' he said at the launch of the Sabah-Level 2025 Labour Legislation Transformation Programme held at Le Meridien today. He stressed that some sectors have been found to neglect basic rights, making it essential for the government to step in with clear legal protections. 'We are fine-tuning the laws so that they can be clearly understood by the people,' he added. Hanafiah highlighted that the transformation will be carried out in stages, with multiple platforms for engagement to ensure widespread awareness. While he acknowledged the state's push for industrial growth, he cautioned that it must not come at the expense of workers' rights. 'According to the Statistics Department, we are quite behind. However, catching up does not mean we can bypass rights that must be upheld. There is no shortcut,' he emphasized, adding that the effort involves cooperation from various bodies, including the National Wages Consultative Council and Cuepacs. The programme, he said, signals the government's commitment to ensuring labour reforms reach all levels of society — from policymakers to grassroots workers. He noted that shifts in employment trends, including digitalisation and work-life balance, demand timely updates to the legislation. 'With close cooperation between the government, employers and trade unions, we can build a fairer, more inclusive, and progressive employment ecosystem,' he said. As the workforce enters a new era shaped by digital transformation, social security and equity, Hanafiah asserted that legal frameworks must evolve to keep pace. 'I have been informed that several important amendments have been made to key acts such as the Sabah Labour Ordinance, the Industrial Relations Act and the Trade Unions Act, which now provide broader protection for workers,' he added. Given Sabah's diverse economic sectors — including agriculture, tourism, manufacturing and services — implementing inclusive and transparent labour policies is crucial. He welcomed the participation of all stakeholders to ensure every voice is heard in shaping these reforms. As Permanent Secretary, Hanafiah noted the role of innovation in reshaping the employment landscape and called for legislation that supports new forms of work in the digital economy, balancing productivity with well-being. 'I am confident that programmes such as this will strengthen understanding, encourage open dialogue and build collaborative networks across sectors,' he said, expressing hope for lasting benefits to Sabah's workforce and its socio-economic development. On the issue of workers' housing, Hanafiah noted that federal laws mandating minimum standards have yet to be enforced in Sabah. 'The law has not been enforced in Sabah yet,' he said, adding that stakeholder consultations are still ongoing. Meanwhile, Director General of Trade Unions, Mohd Asri Abdul Wahab, said the programme is a strategic collaboration involving the Trade Union Affairs Department , the National Wages Consultative Council, the Malaysian Industrial Relations Department and the Sabah Labour Department. He explained that the objective is to inform key stakeholders — including agencies, employers' associations and trade unions — about the implementation and enforcement of amendments to three key Acts: the Trade Unions Act 1959 (Amendment 2024), the Industrial Relations Act (Amendment 2020), and the Labour Ordinance Cap. 67 (Amendment 2025).
The Star
19-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Sabah govt, industry players still working out 'best way forward' for worker housing law
KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah government will complete its consultations with stakeholders before implementing the federal law on minimum standards for worker housing, says a senior state civil servant. The Federal Government has completed the legislative process on the matter but the state is still working out the best way forward, state Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry permanent secretary Datuk Mohd Hanafiah Mohd Kassim said. ALSO READ: New amendments to Sabah and Sarawak labour ordinances take effect from May 1 'The law has not been enforced in Sabah yet. We are still at the consultation stage, and more discussions with industry players are needed to assess readiness. 'Many employers are concerned about the cost implications. "They need time to plan their budgets, and we believe this can be resolved through continuous engagement," he said on Monday (May 19) when asked if the law has come into force in the state. He added that the ministry is working closely with the Sabah Labour Department on the matter. Hanafiah said industry players informally raised the matter during several recent meetings, and the state government advised them to submit their views in writing. "Businesses in Peninsular Malaysia were given a grace period before implementation. "Sabah needs the same kind of consideration," he said, adding that workshops and briefings would be held to ensure employers are adequately prepared. Several stakeholders have urged the state government to hold off from including worker housing requirements into amendments to the Sabah Labour Ordinance (SLO). ALSO READ: Hajiji: Good labour laws key to Sabah's economic growth Hanafiah acknowledged industry concerns and said the state remains committed to finding a balanced solution. 'We understand the business community's position. We aim to ensure any new regulations are implemented practically and fairly, without neglecting worker welfare,' he said at the launch of the Labour Legislation Transformation Programme 2025, here. Also present was Trade Union Affairs Department director-general Mohd Asri Abdul Wahab. Sabah Employers Association (SEA) president Yap Cheen Boon had said earlier that introducing the new requirements without proper consultation would add more strain to struggling businesses. 'We are urging the Sabah government to pause the amendments and reclaim decision-making authority over the SLO. "Any changes must reflect Sabah's unique business landscape,' Yap told a joint press conference last year. ALSO READ: Minimum wage: Caught between surviving and truly living The conference was called by the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (Sabah), Federation of Sabah Industries, Sabah Entrepreneurs Transformation, Kota Kinabalu Hardware, Machinery and Building Materials Traders Association, and Sabah Timber Industry Association, among others. Yap also highlighted Sabah's fragile post-pandemic economic recovery, pointing out that while the state recorded 3.7% growth in 2022, its gross domestic product was still lower than in 2019. He added that employers are already facing multiple new obligations, including safety regulations and wage-related reforms, and the added pressure from new housing requirements could worsen the situation. When confirming that the Sabah Labour Ordinance (Amendment) Act 2025 and the Sarawak Labour Ordinance (Amendment) Act 2025 would come into force on May 1, Human Resources Minister Steven Sim said the exception was Section IVA, which specifically addresses the minimum standards for workers' housing, accommodation and facilities.
