A move to ensure equal rights of workers
Discussion to standardise Sarawak Labour Ordinance in final stage, says minister
Datuk Gerawat has given his word to bring this discussion to the state cabinet level so I am confident that with the cooperation and close relations between the two parties, we can reach a conclusion to implement the amendment to the Sarawak Labour Ordinance in the near future.
Steven Sim Chee Keong
KUCHING: The Ministry of Human Resources is in the process of streamlining the Sarawak Labour Ordinance and Employment Act 1955 (Amendment) 2022, said its minister Steven Sim Chee Keong.
He pointed out that this is to ensure the same rights of employees and workers in the country, be they in Peninsular Malaysia, Sarawak or Sabah.
He also expressed his optimism that the amendment to standardise the Sarawak Labour Ordinance and Employment Act 1955 (Amendment) 2022 can be implemented soon.
“I believe this urgent ma er can be achieved through the cooperation and close relationship between my ministry and Sarawak government through Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Labour, Immigration and Project Monitoring) Datuk Gerawat Gala,” he told reporters when met at the Ministry of Human Resources’ ‘Kesuma Madani’ Chinese New Year celebration here yesterday.
According to Sim, the Ministry of Human Resources is now in the final discussion stage with Gerawat towards realising the amendment of the Sarawak Labour Ordinance, adding that the la er had paid a visit to the ministry’s office last week to discuss the ma er.
“Datuk Gerawat has given his word to bring this discussion to the state cabinet level so I am confident that with the cooperation and close relations between the two parties, we can reach a conclusion to implement the amendment to the Sarawak Labour Ordinance in the near future,” he said.
Sim added that when the amendment of the Ordinance is standardised with the Employment Act 1955 (Amendment) 2022, this would enable employees and workers in Sarawak to enjoy the same benefits as those in Peninsular Malaysia in terms of working hours, wages and so on.
Last year, Gerawat said the State Cabinet had approved the dra amendments to the Sarawak Labour Ordinance, which would incorporate the amendments to the Employment Act and applicable provisions of the law on minimum housing standards for workers.
He said the amendments included increased maternity leave from 60 to 98 days, new provision for paternity leave of seven days, reduction of weekly working hours from 48 to 45 hours, and new provisions against sexual harassment.