Latest news with #SabahLabourOrdinance2025
Borneo Post
3 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Minister's visit a historic milestone for Sabah workers' union
Sim (centre) during his visit at the Hotel, Resort and Restaurant Workers' Union of Sabah office recently. KOTA KINABALU (June 4): The Hotel, Resort and Restaurant Workers' Union of Sabah has described the recent official visit by Human Resources Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong as a historic moment and a significant gesture of recognition for workers in the state. Its Secretary-General, Mohd Shahbudin Abdullah, said it was the first time a federal minister had ever visited their union office to engage directly with workers, calling the visit a landmark occasion since the union's formation. 'This visit marks a meaningful chapter for us. Never before has any minister come down to meet and listen to the voices of workers here in Sabah. It's truly an honour,' he said in a statement. Shahbudin added that the Prime Minister's title of 'Panglima Pekerja' (Champion of Workers) given to Sim was well-deserved, citing the minister's unwavering dedication towards improving the welfare of workers across the country. One of the key highlights praised by the union is the enforcement of the amended Sabah Labour Ordinance 2025, which was officially gazetted on May 1. According to Shahbudin, the amendment had been long-awaited since 2022, and its realisation is seen as a breakthrough for labour rights in the state. 'For years, we have hoped for parity with our counterparts in Peninsular Malaysia. After the first reading in July 2024, followed by the second and third readings, the amendment was passed in Parliament last December. We are thankful to the minister and the ministry for their tireless efforts in making it a reality,' he said. The union also extended appreciation to the Sabah Labour Department for its role in facilitating the legislative reform. In addition, Shahbudin welcomed the introduction of the Madani Workers' Card, which offers discounts of up to 30 per cent on various essentials, a move aimed at easing the cost of living. However, he urged the ministry to expand the range of participating vendors in Sabah to ensure the benefit is felt more widely by local workers. Touching on the issue of minimum wage, Shahbudin expressed concern over the growing frustration among long-serving employees who continue to receive salaries close to or equal to new entrants. 'The introduction of minimum wage is a good step, but the lack of salary differentiation between experienced and new workers has been demoralising for many. This has been happening for years without a concrete solution. We hope the minister will give this matter due attention,' he added. The union also conveyed its gratitude for being appointed as part of the Sabah Labour Advisory Council (SLAC), calling it a major honour and a platform to further contribute to policymaking that benefits workers. 'We believe in the leadership of the minister and are confident that his commitment will continue to bring positive change for workers, ensuring not only their wellbeing but also a more harmonious and conducive work environment,' he said.
Daily Express
14-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Sabah launches major labour reform with new tripartite convention
Sabah launches major labour reform with new tripartite convention KOTA KINABALU: Sabah marked a milestone in labour reform with the launch of the Sabah Tripartite Labour Convention 2025, officiated by State Federal Secretary Datuk Seri Rosli Isa here on Wednesday. Rosli said the convention highlights the enforcement of the amended Sabah Labour Ordinance 2025, effective May 1, offering workers protections on par with the peninsula. Advertisement Key changes include universal worker coverage, 98 days of maternity leave, seven days of paternity leave, and a reduced 45-hour work week. The event also saw the launch of the eNores system for managing non-resident workers, expected to benefit over 2.1 million workers and 187,000 employers. SPONSORED CONTENT A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed with seven agencies, kicking off a week-long labour education convoy across six districts featuring outreach, dialogues, and enforcement initiatives.
Borneo Post
09-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
FMM Sabah raises alarm over amended Labour Ordinance, cites strain on SMEs
Liaw says these changes will reduce available man-hours, lower productivity and output, and increase operational and production costs. KOTA KINABALU (May 9): The Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM) Sabah branch has voiced strong concerns over the amended Sabah Labour Ordinance 2025 that took effect on May 1, just three months after the implementation of the Minimum Wages Order 2024. The branch, which largely comprises Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), said manufacturers are struggling to absorb the rising production costs without affecting profitability. FMM Sabah chairman Liaw Hen Kong said employers acknowledge the government's need to align with the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work 1998 to improve Malaysia's image and attract both local and foreign investors. However, he stressed that any changes should be balanced and consider the realities of the regional economy that benefits both employers and employees while promoting better work-life balance and humane working conditions. 'The reduction in the standard workweek poses serious challenges for manufacturers operating around the clock, especially SMEs that still rely heavily on manual and semi-automated processes,' he said in a statement. He pointed to several measures introduced under the amended ordinance, including the reduction of the standard workweek, extension of maternity leave from 60 to 98 days, and the expansion of coverage to include all workers regardless of salary or job and seven days of paid paternity leave 'These changes will reduce available man-hours, lower productivity and output, and increase operational and production costs,' he said. He added that these pressures are worsened by the national Minimum Wages Order 2024, which raised the minimum monthly wage to RM1,700 from Feb 1. As a result, many businesses have frozen hiring to contain costs and are passing the burden on to consumers who are already struggling with a higher cost of living, he said. He also cited external pressures such as rising geopolitical tensions, including US reciprocal tariffs on selected Malaysian exports, which are affecting the competitiveness of local products. 'Combined with global trade tensions, supply chain disruptions, and price volatility, these factors are placing immense pressure on manufacturers particularly SMEs who are already grappling with rising domestic costs and limited financial buffers,' he said. FMM expressed disappointment over the government's decision to proceed with the changes despite collective objections and proposals submitted to the Ministry of Human Resources (MOHR) by trade associations as early as April 22, 2019. 'These proposals highlighted Sabah's unique circumstances and called for more dialogues between stakeholders and MOHR, but unfortunately, they were met with apathy,' he said. Nonetheless, FMM Sabah supports the establishment of the Sabah Labour Advisory Council (SLAC) under the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (KSTI) as a useful platform for trade associations and the Government to engage on labour-related matters. Liew urged the council to convene follow-up meetings without delay so stakeholders can collectively address issues arising from these amendments and ensure Sabah's labour laws are aligned with its unique economic landscape.
