By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Aug 8: The rise of gig work, informal employment and other new forms of work must not create a new class of workers left behind by occupational health and safety protections, says Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He said as economies evolved and new ways of working emerged, occupational health policies must remain inclusive and ensure that workers whose voices were often less heard were not overlooked.
“What resonated most with me was the reminder that progress must be inclusive. As our economies evolve and new ways of working emerge, we cannot overlook those whose voices are sometimes less heard; the informal workforce, gig workers and migrant workers,” he said.
His speech was delivered by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas at the 24th Asian Congress on Occupational Health (ACOH) 2026 Gala Dinner here last night. A copy of the speech was later made available to DayakDaily.
Abang Johari stressed that every worker, regardless of employment status or background, deserved equal protection, dignity and the opportunity to work in a safe and healthy environment.
“Every worker deserves the same protection, dignity and opportunity to work in a safe and healthy environment,” he said.
He said the issue was particularly relevant as workplaces continued to change, with the Congress discussing emerging occupational risks, industrial disasters, digital transformation, technology-enabled rehabilitation and sustainability in workplace health and safety.
The Premier also emphasised that occupational health could not be treated solely as the responsibility of hospitals or healthcare institutions.
“Good health is never the responsibility of one person or one institution alone.
“Hospitals treat illness, but healthy lives are built elsewhere. They are built in our homes, our schools, our communities and certainly in our workplaces,” he said.
Abang Johari said employers, governments and occupational health professionals all had a role in creating safer workplaces, adding that stronger worker well-being would also contribute to more resilient businesses and communities.
“Families are stronger. Businesses become more resilient. Communities prosper. This is very much the approach we are taking in Sarawak,” he added. — DayakDaily
