Labour convention held in Tawau for first time
TAWAU: The Sabah Labour Convention (KONPENS) serves to inform employers, employees and the public on current labour issues that can help in the development of the country’s economy.
Human Resource Ministry secretary general Datuk Amir Omar said that KONPENS was initially hosted last year and yesterday was the first time ever to be held in Tawau.
He said at the request of the parties concern, the program was expanded to the district. This labour-based education program received overwhelming response last year, and to justify the response, the Sabah Labour Department has set its labour convention program as an annual program that will involve selected districts in Sabah.
This informative program will focus on six working papers covering current topics in the national labour industry and will be presented by a panel of experienced and credible experts in their respective fields, he said, when launching the convention.
According to him, the convention is one of the initiatives of the Ministry of Human Resources, through the Sabah Labour Department, as a leader in maintaining good industrial relations in the country, so that employers, employees and the public are directly informed on current labour issues.
The issue of labour is very important as it is a key point that needs to be taken into account in the development of a country and is seen as an instrument for enhancing the economy and the social stability of the country.
With the presentation of papers arranged in this convention, he said participants can add to their knowledge of labour issues in the country as it will have an add-on value in everyday running of business as an employer, employee or as a higher learning student at public and private institutions.
He said with the disclosure and understanding of national labour laws and other relevant laws, it will enable harmonization in the industry to be secured involving multiple parties - policyholders, implementers, employers, employees and the community.
Among the hot topics addressed were the National Labour Policy, Sabah Labour Scenario, Social Protection, Occupational Safety and Health, Health Services and issues and challenges that are faced by the country in planning and implementing a policy based on current situation.
A total of 220 participants attended the convention. They included representatives of employers, workers unions, workers and students.