By Karen Bong
KUCHING, March 25: Sarawak’s Labour Day 2026 celebration is set to welcome an estimated 3,000 participants, with the Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg slated to officiate the event and launch the State’s new JobSarawak portal, a key initiative to strengthen the local workers’ market.
Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Labour, Immigration and Project Monitoring) Datuk Gerawat Gala announced that the event will take place on May 10 at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK).
“The theme for Labour Day this year is ‘Pekerja Cemerlang, Sarawak Maju Makmur’, which highlights the vital role of quality workers in driving Sarawak’s progress and prosperity under the Post-Covid Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030.
“Our vision is for Sarawak to become a developed, high-income State by 2030,”he told a press conference following the first Main Committee meeting for Labour Day 2026 preparations at BCCK today.
He noted that the success of Sarawak’s economic growth and societal wellbeing depends heavily on nurturing quality employees across various sectors.
“When quality workers are cultivated, they contribute to productivity, economic development, and the overall wellbeing of the community,” he added.
Gerawat recalled that last year’s State-level Labour Day celebration in 2025 drew 1,500 participants, earning Sarawak a Malaysian Guinness Book of Records recognition for the largest gathering of workers and related agencies.
“This year, we expect to double that figure to 3,000 participants,” he said.
Key highlights of the celebration include the launching of the JobSarawak portal, which will serve as the official platform for enhancing the State’s labour market, and the presentation of the Outstanding Worker Awards, divided into executive and non-executive categories.
For the first time, Outstanding Employer Awards will also be presented, recognising both large companies as well as small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
The programme will also feature a briefing on the Sarawak Labour Ordinance (Amendment) Act 2025, aimed at updating workers and employers on the latest legal amendments.
An exhibition involving multiple government agencies will further provide participants with enhanced awareness and access to public services.
Gerawat expressed confidence that Labour Day 2026 will continue to underscore the importance of workers in building a prosperous and progressive Sarawak. — DayakDaily
