Latest news with #Yangdi-PertuaNegeri
Borneo Post
22-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Know your rights under amended labour law, MTUC Sarawak tells workers
Zaidi says that the changes are a clear indication of Sarawak's recognition of the vital role workers play in driving economic growth. KUCHING (May 23): The Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC) Sarawak has called on all workers in the state to proactively understand and assert their rights under the newly amended Sarawak Labour Ordinance, which came into effect on May 1. MTUC Sarawak chairman Zaidi Nasar stated that the changes are a clear indication of Sarawak's recognition of the vital role workers play in driving economic growth. 'As a state that continues to rapidly develop since achieving independence, Sarawak has a responsibility to ensure social justice and workers' well-being are safeguarded. 'Empowering the workforce is a key factor in building a sustainable economy, and compliance with the Sarawak Labour Ordinance is the foundation for a fairer and safer work environment,' he said in a statement. Among the key updates in the ordinance are the expansion of protection to all workers regardless of wage level or sector, the extension of maternity leave from 60 to 98 days, and the introduction of a seven-day paternity leave provision. Working hours have also been reduced from 48 to 45 hours per week to improve work-life balance. Additionally, sick leave and hospitalisation leave have now been separated, with 14 days of sick leave and 60 days of hospitalisation leave, totalling 74 days – an increase from the previous 60-day combined provision. Other progressive measures include stronger provisions against discrimination, forced labour and sexual harassment as well as improved regulations for flexible work arrangements and workers' rights to safe accommodation. The ordinance also mandates six compulsory public holidays, including National Day, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong's Birthday, the Birthday of the Rulers or Yang di-Pertua Negeri, Labour Day, Malaysia Day, and one other state-designated public holiday. In view of this, Zaidi stressed the importance of close cooperation among workers, employers and authorities to ensure the smooth implementation of the ordinance and that Sarawak's workforce fully benefits from the change. As such, he said several positive steps can be taken such as increasing awareness through briefings and workshops; advocating for workers facing injustice; fostering open dialogue between employees and employers; ensuring robust enforcement and monitoring; and engaging the wider community and unions to uphold labour rights. 'MTUC is committed to ensuring that every worker in Sarawak receives proper protection and enjoys a fair and safe working environment. 'The future of Sarawak depends on a healthy and secure workforce, and compliance with the Labour Ordinance is the foundation for shared success.' labour law lead MTUC workers' rights Zaidi Nasar
Borneo Post
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Hydrographic survey needed to tackle Bintulu flooding, says Jepak rep
Iskandar says that the survey's findings would enable the government to implement targeted short- and long-term flood mitigation measures. – Photo by Roystein Emmor KUCHING (May 22): A hydrographic survey is urgently needed to identify the root causes of flooding in Bintulu, particularly to assess the depth and sedimentation levels of local rivers that contributed to severe inundation earlier this year, said Jepak assemblyman Iskandar Turkee. Speaking during his Motion of Appreciation on the Yang di-Pertua Negeri's address at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting today, Iskandar highlighted that the flooding on January 29 had paralysed activities in the division, especially in the town area. 'Besides natural causes, we believe there are other contributing factors to the disaster. One of them is the weakness in the drainage system in Bintulu, which prevented Sungai Sebiew from effectively discharging excess water, leading to a rapid surge in river levels,' he said. To address the problem, Iskandar proposed several risk management strategies, starting with the hydrographic survey. 'To ensure smooth river flow from upstream to the estuaries of Sungai Sebiew and Sungai Kemena, a hydrographic survey must be conducted to determine the depth and sedimentation that may be causing floods,' he said. He added that the survey's findings would enable the government to implement targeted short- and long-term flood mitigation measures. 'These measures may include river dredging, construction of flood retention ponds, upgrading of drainage systems, expanding monsoon drains in densely populated residential areas, and relocating residents affected by floods,' he said. Iskandar also stressed the importance of enhancing communication and utility infrastructure resilience during disasters. He suggested that power supplies for petrol stations and telecommunications towers be backed by standalone systems, and that substations be constructed on elevated terrain to prevent flood damage. 'This is to ensure uninterrupted fuel supply and functional communication systems during flood emergencies,' he said. Furthermore, Iskandar advocated for broader adoption of satellite communication technology, such as Starlink, especially in rural areas, with solar power as a sustainable energy source. Lastly, he called for the establishment of a Smart Data Utility Bank encompassing every division, district, town, village, and longhouse to maintain a comprehensive inventory of key infrastructure locations. 'This would help the government manage risks more systematically, swiftly, and effectively by enabling relevant departments or agencies to respond accordingly,' he said. Bintulu DUN flooding hydrographic survey Iskandar Turkee lead
