MTUC Sarawak seeks state government’s updates on Labour Ordinance’s amendment

KUCHING (July 18): The Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC) Sarawak Division wants the state government to provide a clear explanation regarding the delay in the presentation of the Sarawak Labour Ordinance (SLO) Amendment in Parliament.

MTUC Sarawak Division said the Parliament session only saw the presentation of the Sabah SLO Amendment Bill, leaving Sarawak’s workforce disappointed after almost a year of anticipation.

“These workers are the backbone of Sarawak’s economy and provide unwavering support to the government, yet their welfare lags behind that of workers in Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah,” it said.

This issue, it added, had been raised at the state-level Workers’ Day celebration here, where they were informed by the deputy minister in the Premier’s Department ( Labour, Immigration, and Project Monitoring) Datuk Gerawat Gala that the SLO amendment proposals had been finalised, agreed upon and sent to the Malaysian Ministry of Human Resources.

“For MTUC Sarawak Division, the proposed amendments are crucial, particularly for female workers as they include an extension of maternity leave from 60 days to 98 days.”

“Additionally, the amendments propose seven days of paternity leave for husbands and married male employees to provide essential support for families during the critical period of managing a wife and newborn children.”

Among others it also included a proposal to reduce weekly working hours from 48 to 45, to allow employees to spend more time with their families for an improved mental health and productivity.

“MTUC Sarawak Division, thus, think that there is an urgent need to expedite the amendment of the Sarawak SLO Bill as the welfare of Sarawak’s workforce is crucial for the state’s development and economic growth.

“An immediate explanation from the state government is essential to address the concerns of the 1.4 million workers in Sarawak,” said MTUC Sarawak Division.

“This is essential to address the concerns of the 1.4 million workers in Sarawak,” it added.