MTUC Sarawak demands explanation for 1.4 mln workers over delay in amending Labour Ordinance in Parliament

The Ecolake of the Wisma Bapa Malaysia Recreation Park.

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, July 17: Some 1.4 million Sarawak workers need an explanation on the failure of the Sarawak Labour Ordinance (SLO) Amendment being tabled at the current Parliament sitting to update the laws, especially on increasing maternity leave to 98 days, giving paternity leave for seven days to husbands, and reduction of working hours to 45 per week.

The Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC) Sarawak Division has demanded an explanation from the Sarawak government after only the Sabah Labour Ordinance Amendment Bill was presented during this Parliament session.

This demand followed assurances from Sarawak Deputy Minister of Labour in the Premier of Sarawak’s Department,Datuk Gerawat Gala, who stated at the Sarawak-level Workers’ Day celebration that the SLO amendments had been finalised, agreed upon, and sent to the Malaysian Ministry of Human Resources.

“This is very disappointing for the 1.4 million Sarawak workforce who have been waiting for almost a year for the amendment, which would bring prosperity, especially to female workers on maternity leave,” MTUC Sarawak said in a press statement today.

The amendments included increasing maternity leave from 60 to 98 days and introducing seven days of paternity leave for husbands, which would provided much-needed support for employees managing family responsibilities.

Additionally, reducing the work week from 48 to 45 hours would help alleviate the pressures of high living costs, allowing employees more time with their families and enhancing overall productivity and mental health, MTUC Sarawak said.

“It needs to be understood why the amendment of the SLO Bill must be expedited.

“This involves the welfare and safety of the workers, who are the heart of Sarawak’s economy and provide unwavering support for the existing governments,” MTUC Sarawak emphasised.

Highlighting that the region currently lags behind Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah, MTUC Sarawak stressed that the welfare of employees is crucial for achieving the status of a developed Sarawak in Malaysia. — DayakDaily