Latest news with #eNores
Daily Express
16-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
System to manage non-resident workers
Published on: Friday, May 16, 2025 Published on: Fri, May 16, 2025 By: Sisca Humphrey Text Size: Rosli (second left) officiates the launch of the eNores system. Kota Kinabalu: The Sabah Department of Labour (JTK) has introduced a new system called the Integrated Non-Resident Employment Management System (eNORES), which will provide a comprehensive solution for managing the employment of non-resident workers in the State. The launch of eNORES took place in conjunction with the Sabah Tripartite Labour Convention, involving 400 participants, on Wednesday. Advertisement Sabah JTK Director Wan Zulkifli Wan Setapa said the system is expected to have a significant impact on more than 187,000 employers and workers in Sabah, including those working illegally or without proper documentation. 'The eNORES system covers 12 core modules encompassing the entire process of worker management from recruitment and employment to repatriation,' he said. According to him, the launch of this system is a major step in ensuring more organized and effective management of foreign workers in the State. 'This system will also provide an opportunity for employers and workers to interact on a more structured and efficient platform,' Wan Zulkifli said. Alongside the launch of eNORES, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was also signed between JTK Sabah and seven regulatory agencies involved in the management of non-resident workers. Among the participating agencies were the Immigration Department of Malaysia, Sabah Department of Agriculture, and the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB). Wan Zulkifli further commenting, this MoU allows all regulatory agencies to access relevant data from the system, enabling them to plan and implement more effective policies and decisions regarding the management of foreign workers in the State. The signing of the MoU was witnessed by the Director-General of the National Digital Department (JDN) under the Ministry of Digital Malaysia, Datuk Dr Fazidah Abu Bakar. In related developments, he said JTK Sabah also announced data-sharing partnerships through system integration with several parties such as SOCSO (MyFutureJobs), the Companies Commission of Malaysia (MySSM), and the Ministry of Home Affairs (NIISe). 'Through the system, we can ensure that over 2.1 million workers in the State, including undocumented workers, receive better benefits and protection,' he added. He also emphasised this data-sharing initiative aims to enhance transparency and effectiveness in managing non-resident workers in the State. 'It is expected to greatly benefit various stakeholders, including employers and workers, while ensuring that Sabah continues to progress in workforce management, especially in the rapidly advancing digital era,' 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
Daily Express
14-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Over 2.1 million Sabah workers benefit
Published on: Thursday, May 15, 2025 Published on: Thu, May 15, 2025 By: Sisca Humphrey Text Size: Rosli (second left) officiates the launch of the eNores system. Kota Kinabalu: Over 2.1 million workers in Sabah now benefit from broader legal protection under the newly enforced Labour Ordinance of Sabah (Amendment) Act 2025. The amendment, officiated at the Tripartite Labour Convention by State Federal Secretary Datuk Seri Rosli Isa, marks the first significant update to the Ordinance in more than 20 years. The Ordinance, effective May 1, 2025, aims to streamline regulatory processes and clarify the rights and obligations of both employers and employees, ensuring greater protection for all workers, including previously unregistered or undocumented workers. 'This change will improve working conditions and safeguard vulnerable workers in remote areas, strengthening legal protections for all,' said Rosli. He said significant updates include longer maternity leave (98 days), new seven-day paternity leave and reduced weekly hours (45), aligning Sabah with national standards and promoting work-life balance. 'These changes reflect our Government's commitment to equal opportunities and family well-being,' he said. He noted that one key issue the amended Ordinance tackles is the high number of undocumented foreign workers. 'Sabah, with a population of 3.8 million, is estimated to host 1.8 million foreign workers, yet only 2.1 million are officially registered, highlighting a large group still without legal protection. 'We estimate that Sabah hosts 1.8 million foreign workers, but only 2.1 million workers are registered. 'This challenge in labour governance is something the Ordinance aims to address through clearer registration frameworks,' he said. Alongside this, Rosli said, the Government remains committed to protecting vulnerable groups, particularly in rural areas, from forced labour and human trafficking. 'An anti-trafficking and forced labour outreach programme recently took place in Merotai Besar, Tawau, involving the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and the Immigration Department. 'These efforts are crucial to ensuring that all workers, including those in remote communities, are not left vulnerable to exploitation. 'The revised Ordinance not only aims to bring undocumented workers into the legal system but also ensures that vulnerable workers are safeguarded from trafficking and forced labour,' he added. Sabah Labour Department (JTK) Director Wan Zulkfli Wan Setapa said the revised Ordinance ensures shared responsibility between employers and the JTK. 'This ensures that all workers, including those previously unregistered, are brought into the legal system. 'It's a critical step in preventing exploitation and guaranteeing they receive the protections afforded by labour laws,' he said. Rosli also emphasised the Government's commitment to enforcing Malaysia's minimum wage policies, ranging from RM1,500 to RM1,700 depending on the sector. 'These policies ensure fair pay for both local and foreign workers and protect them from exploitation,' he said, addressing concerns that lower wages might encourage the hiring of undocumented workers. A significant part of the event was the launch of the Labour Education Convoy Series, which will travel across the State from capital city to Sandakan, Tawau and other districts, eventually concluding in Tenom. Wan Zulkfli said this seven-day journey aims to raise awareness about the amended Labour Ordinance, focusing on tripartite stakeholders, including the Government, employer groups and workers' unions. 'This convoy represents a significant step in educating and engaging employers, workers and stakeholders to ensure they understand their rights and obligations under the new ordinance,' he said. Under the leadership of JTK Sabah Director, the initiative will focus on educating employers, especially smaller plantation owners and smallholders, about the Ordinance's requirements and helping them navigate the regulatory changes. 'These amendments bring Sabah's labour laws in line with national and international standards, including those under the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and the International Labour Organization (ILO). He affirmed that this alignment is expected to attract responsible investors and generate high-quality job opportunities for the people of the State. 'The amendment is more than just a legal update. It is about fairness, respect and building a better future for workers in Sabah,' he said while launching the convention, marking a new chapter for workers' rights in East Malaysia. * 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
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.
