By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Dec 13: The new Section 130P incorporated in the recently amended Sarawak Labour Ordinance (SLO) will ensure that the rights and interests of workers and employers in Sarawak are protected, along with the State’s autonomy.
In a press statement issued today, Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Labour, Immigration, and Project Monitoring) Datuk Gerawat Gala explained that under Section 130P, the federal government has to consult with Sarawak first before any future amendments could be made to the SLO.
“There is also a provision allowing the delegation of powers to the State government to make regulations under the SLO in matters particular to Sarawak.
“The amendments have been agreed to by all relevant stakeholders including employee and employer representatives as well as relevant government ministries, departments, and agencies after a series of engagement sessions.
“The passing of the amendments should be good news for employees and employers,” he said.
He also added that the SLO amendment incorporated provisions of the Employees’ Minimum Standards of Housing, Accommodations. and Amenities Act (Act 446) with modifications to suit Sarawak’s needs.
This, he said, ensures that employers who provide housing and accommodation are subject to minimum standards to ensure the welfare of the employees is taken care of.
At the same time, he expressed appreciation to the Human Resources Minister, Steven Sim, and the Federal Attorney General’s Chambers for preparing the amendment Bill to be approved in Parliament.
He was also thankful to Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg for his guidance which facilitated the resolution of several important issues, as well as employees and employer’s representatives together with the relevant government ministries, departments, and agencies, as well as industry players who have contributed to ensure the amendments are fair and equitable for all.
“We are waiting for Dewan Negara to pass the amendments after which the assent of our DYMM Yang DiPertuan Agong will be obtained followed by the gazetting of the effective date of the amendment by the Minister For Human Resources.
“The amendments are also in line with international labour standards and practices and create a legislative framework to promote harmonious labour relations conducive for economic growth,” he said.
Yesterday (Dec 12), the Sarawak Labour Ordinance (Amendment) Bill 2024 was passed in Parliament after a 20-year wait to harmonise the rights and protections of Sarawak’s 1.4 million workers with those in Peninsular Malaysia under the Employment Act 1955 [Act 265].
Key amendments include expanding the ordinance’s coverage from employees earning RM2,500 and below to all employees, regardless of salary or job type.
It also extends maternity leave from 60 days to 98 days, introduces seven days of paternity leave which was previously unavailable under the Ordinance, reduces working hours from 48 hours per week to 45 hours per week, establishes new provisions for flexible working arrangements, setting minimum standards of housing, accommodation, and worker facilities, and addressing workplace discrimination complaints through new provisions. — DayakDaily
