By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, May 1: For the first time ever, working fathers in Sarawak are entitled to seven days of paid paternity leave, thanks to landmark changes to the Sarawak Labour Ordinance (SLO) that come into force today.
This new benefit is part of a broader overhaul aimed at aligning labour rights in Sarawak with those in Peninsular Malaysia.
The move has been described by the Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC) Sarawak as the best Labour Day gift in 2025, following more than 20 years of advocacy.
Other key improvements include 98 days of maternity leave (up from 60), a reduction in the maximum weekly working hours from 48 to 45, stronger protection for contract workers, and the extension of legal protection to all employees, regardless of salary or job category.
“This success is proof of the combined efforts of leadership and trade unions in fighting for the rights of Sarawak workers. With these amendments, Sarawak’s labour sector is now able to enjoy benefits equivalent to those in Peninsular Malaysia.
“Congratulations to a leadership that truly listens and acts in the best interest of Sarawak’s workforce,” said MTUC Sarawak chairman Zaidi Nasar in a statement today.
Zaidi credited Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Human Resources Minister Steven Sim, Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, and Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department (Labour, Immigration and Project Monitoring) Datuk Gerawat Gala for making the reforms possible. — DayakDaily
