Department out to solve labour issues, curb forced labour in Sarawak, says state chief

SIBU: The Labour Department (JTK) is committed to addressing the issue of forced labour, child labour and human-trafficking in Sarawak, says its state director Awang Raduan Awang Omar.

In this regard, he said JTK Sarawak had opened an investigation paper into an allegation of forced labour in Bintulu last year.

“The forced labour case, currently being heard in court, shows that the government takes serious of any claims on labour law violations,” he said in his address for an awareness programme at Kampung Bahagia Jaya’s community hall in Teku, yesterday.

Awang Raduan also called upon the public and employees to report any violations of the labour law to the JTK.

“We also call upon all to work with the agency in dealing with the forced labour issue.

“If you find that your employer is involved in forced labour or human-trafficking, do report it immediately to JTK Sarawak,” he said.

Adding on, Awang Raduan said the government was doing its best in shaping the Malaysian labour market that was in compliance with all labour laws.

“Malaysia is a member country of the International Labour Organisation, which recently deposited the ratification of Protocol 29 as an effort to deal with and eliminate forced labour in this country.

“On Nov 19, 2021, Malaysia joined Alliance 8.7 as a Pathfinder country under the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations (UN) with its objectives to put an end to forced labour, child labour, modern slavery and humantrafficking.

“Malaysia’s participation as a ‘pathfinder country’ will prove its commitment and determination to achieve Target 8.7 SDG,” he added.

On yesterday’s programme, Awang Raduan regarded it as a good platform for JTK Sarawak to enlighten the public on the current labour and employment issues, as well as to deliver its services to the people through mobile service counters, talks and dialogues.

It is stated that this programme would be taking place in several other areas across Sarawak this year.

Also present was JTK Sarawak deputy director Mohd Nizar Zakaria.