3,000 participants expected for Sarawak-level Labour Day celebration at BCCK

KUCHING (March 25): Some 3,000 participants are expected to attend the Sarawak-level Labour Day celebration 2026, which will be held on May 10 at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK).

Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Labour, Immigration and Project Monitoring) Datuk Gerawat Gala said the target marks a significant increase from last year’s inaugural state-level celebration, which drew 1,500 participants and earned recognition in the Malaysia Book of Records (MBR).

“We were recognised in the MBR for the largest assembly or gathering of workers, including representatives from relevant agencies, government bodies, and employers.

“It was the first of such achievement for Sarawak in 2025 and this year, we are targeting 3,000 participants for the upcoming Labour Day celebration,” he told a press conference after chairing the organising committee meeting for the event at BCCK.

Also present were Immigration and Labour Management Unit (ILMU) director Richard Lon and Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC) Sarawak chairman Zaidi Nasar.

Gerawat said this year’s state-level Labour Day celebration, themed ‘Pekerja Cemerlang, Sarawak Maju Makmur’ (Outstanding Workers, A Progressive and Prosperous Sarawak) reflects the vital role of a skilled and quality workforce in driving the state’s development agenda, in line with the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030.

“Sarawak aspires to become a developed and high-income state by 2030, and this theme underscores the importance of workers in achieving that goal,” he added.

He said the event will be officiated by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, who will also be launching the JobSarawak initiative during the celebration.

Among the highlights of the programme are the presentation of the Outstanding Worker Award, which will be divided into two categories, namely executive and non-executive, as well as the introduction of a new Outstanding Employer Award.

“The employer award will have two categories, namely for large companies and small and medium enterprises (SMEs),” Gerawat said, adding that this is the first time such recognition will be given.

In addition, the programme will feature a briefing and engagement session on recent amendments to the Labour Ordinance, which were introduced in December 2024.

Gerawat said the session aims to provide clarity and promote better understanding among both employees and employers regarding the changes.

“We want to take this opportunity to share information and engage with representatives from both sides on the amendments to the Labour Ordinance,” he said.