KUALA LUMPUR: The Dewan Rakyat passed the Labour Ordinance of Sarawak (Amendment) Bill 2024, marking a significant step in safeguarding the rights of 1.46 million workers in the state. Human Resource Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong hailed the amendment as a historic development, noting that it is the first update to the ordinance since 2005.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Minister Sim emphasized that the Ministry of Human Resources has now completed a series of eight major labour laws. These laws collectively address critical issues such as wages, social security, workplace safety and health, trade union activities, and the protection of workers’ rights.

The Bill introduces several key changes, notably increasing maternity leave from 60 to 98 days and expanding provisions for overtime pay, work on public holidays, and rest days for employees earning below RM4,000 monthly. This is an increase from the previous threshold of RM2,001. Additionally, it includes a provision for seven-day paternity leave.

The a
mended ordinance will cover all workers regardless of income or job type. It also separates sick leave from hospitalisation leave and mandates six public holidays: National Day, Labour Day, King’s Birthday, Yang Dipertua Negeri’s birthday, Malaysia Day, and Sarawak Independence Day.

Union Network International-Malaysia Labour Centre (UNI-MLC) president Datuk Mohamed Shafie BP Mammal expressed support for the amendment, citing its potential to bring positive changes for Sarawak’s workforce and to provide protections similar to those in Peninsular Malaysia.

Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF) president Datuk Dr Syed Hussain Syed Husman stated that the amendment would boost the competitiveness of Sarawak’s exports by enabling businesses to operate in a more sustainable economic environment.