Kota Kinabalu: The establishment of the Sabah Labour Advisory Council (SLAC) aims to protect workers’ rights and enhance the tripartite relationship among the government, employers, and employees in the region. Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor has emphasized that the council will play a crucial role in safeguarding workers’ rights while assisting employers in managing their businesses efficiently.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Hajiji expressed optimism that SLAC will provide a platform for employers and employees to exchange ideas and propose suggestions on labour-related issues to the government. This exchange is expected to aid in the formulation of policies and legislation that align with Sabah’s industrialisation objectives.
The Chief Minister further highlighted the importance of cooperation among the government, employers, and workers in establishing SLAC. This collaboration is essential for the successful implementation of the Decent Work Agenda, a key aspiration of the International Labour Organisation (ILO). His speech was delivered by Datuk Dr Mohd Ariffin Mohd Arif, the Sabah Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, during SLAC’s permanent members’ appointment ceremony and its inaugural meeting.
Hajiji also expressed his hopes that the 16 appointed council members, representing the government, employers’ associations, and workers’ unions, will provide valuable input to support Sabah’s economic development. Additionally, SLAC is expected to bolster collaboration between state and federal governments through the Sabah Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation and the Ministry of Human Resources.
He noted that SLAC will address critical issues such as eradicating forced labour, workplace discrimination, and sexual harassment, while also focusing on the protection of women and children, management of non-resident workers, flexible working arrangements, and worker facilities. These efforts align with the Tripartite Consultations to Promote the Implementation of International Labour Standards 1976 (Convention No. 144).
The Chief Minister also mentioned that the Sabah Labour Department, in 2023, conducted enforcement activities including statutory inspections, complaint investigations, and handling of labour court cases, benefiting 13,487 workers with claims totaling RM22.2 million. He stressed that labour laws should not be perceived as a burden on employers but as a mechanism to ensure continuity and harmony in employment relationships.
Hajiji concluded by stating that effectively resolving labour-related issues will positively impact Sabah, particularly in the economic sector, as a stable workforce and a robust labour legal framework are crucial for attracting investors to the state.