Bandar Kuching MP: Sarawak Labour Ordinance amendments to boost workers’ rights, benefits

Dr Kelvin Yii

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, Sept 20: The alignment of the Sarawak Labour Ordinance (SLO) with the Federal Employment Act 1955 is set to enhance workers’ rights in Sarawak, including an increase in maternity leave to 98 days, the introduction of seven days of paternity leave, and expanded overtime benefits.

Bandar Kuching MP Dr Kelvin Yii Lee Wuen, who also serves as Political Secretary to Minister of Human Resources Steven Sim Chee Keong, highlighted that the amendments would bring several additional protections for Sarawakian workers.

These include non-discriminatory clauses in the workplace, flexible working hours, and mandatory reporting mechanisms for sexual harassment.

Dr Yii noted that prior to these amendments, only Sarawakian workers earning less than RM2,500 were eligible for protections under both the SLO and the Employment Act.

However, the new threshold will raise the salary cap to RM4,000, expanding the coverage and protections to more workers.

“The increase in the salary threshold means more Sarawakian workers can enjoy the benefits and protections they deserve,” he said in a press statement.

He also welcomed the announcement made by Sim that the revised Sarawak Labour Ordinance will be tabled in Parliament by the end of this year.

According to Dr Yii, this long-anticipated amendment will ensure that Sarawakian workers receive the same protections, benefits, and rights as their counterparts in Peninsular Malaysia.

“This move aligns with the ongoing efforts of the Ministry of Human Resources, which recently tabled the Sabah Labour Ordinance for its first reading in Parliament. These amendments are part of a broader initiative to ensure better protection and rights for workers across Malaysia,” he added. — DayakDaily