Ensuring workers in Sarawak get better benefits

KUCHING: The upcoming tabling of the Sarawak Labour Ordinance (SLO) in Parliament is a long-awaited development that promises significant benefits for workers in Sarawak, said Bandar Kuching MP Dr Kelvin Yii.

The political secretary to the Human Resources Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong expressed optimism following Sim’s statement, which was made after receiving the principal consent and approval from Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and the Sarawak Cabinet.

Dr Yii said the amendments aim to align the SLO with the Federal Employment Act 1955, a change that has been a top priority for Sim since taking office in December 2022.

“The amendments will ensure the workers in Sarawak will get better protection, benefits and rights, similar to our counterparts in Peninsular Malaysia.

“This is also in lieu of efforts made through our Ministry to table the Sabah Labour Ordinance in the last sitting of Parliament for its first reading which also ensures better protection and rights for Sabahan workers,” he said in a statement on Facebook.

The proposed amendments include a significant increase in maternity leave for working mothers, extending it from 60 days to 98 days, and the implementation of seven days of paternity leave for fathers.

Other improvements encompass overtime benefits, the addition of non-discriminatory clauses, flexible working hour arrangements, and enhanced procedures for reporting sexual harassment.

Moreover, Dr Yii said the amendments will raise the salary threshold for coverage under the ordinance and the Employment Act.

Previously, he said only Sarawakian workers earning RM2,500 or less were eligible for protection. With the proposed changes, this threshold will rise to RM4,000, broadening the scope of protections for workers in the region.

Additionally, he emphasised that these reforms, if passed, would represent a significant victory for workers in both Sarawak and Sabah, who have long sought better protection and rights.

He highlighted the necessity of bipartisan support from all Members of Parliament to ensure the successful passage of the legislation, which has been a focal point for local workers’ unions.

“This is something that has been fought for by our workers’ unions for many years and should receive bipartisan support from all MPs for the benefit of our workers who are the backbone of our economy,” he stressed.