by DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, April 30: Amendments to the Sarawak Labour Ordinance (SLO) are set to come into force tomorrow (May 1), and employers are urged not only to comply with the new provisions but to recognise and invest in their most valuable asset — their employees.
In his Labour Day message, Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Labour, Immigration and Project Monitoring) Datuk Gerawat Gala emphasised that this year’s Labour Day is especially significant for Sarawak as it marks a milestone in strengthening its labour protection with the enforcement of the amended Sarawak Labour Ordinance.
The amendments, which have been passed by Parliament and assented to by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, are expected to be implemented beginning May 1, 2025.
“These amendments align Sarawak’s labour laws with the Employment Act 1955 (as amended) in Peninsular Malaysia and international standards — reflecting our government’s firm commitment to protect our workers, ensure social justice and fair employment practices.”
Gerawat further pointed out that Labour Day serves as a reminder that safeguarding workers’ rights is a shared responsibility.
“While laws set the standard, real progress depends on mutual respect, dialogue, and partnership.
“I urge employers to not only comply with the law but to embrace its spirit — by investing in worker welfare, training, and safe working conditions.
“To our workers: your voices matter. The government will continue reviewing and improving
labour laws to meet the realities of today’s workforce.”
Some of the key amendments to the SLO are: broader employee coverage whereby legal protections are now extended to all employees regardless of salary or job category, enhanced leave benefits with maternity leave extended from 60 to 98 days while eligible working fathers will receive seven days of paid paternity leave, and an increase in maternity leave from 60 to 98 days.
Other major changes include reduced working hours for better work-life balance, the introduction of flexible work arrangements, improved worker accommodation standards, as well as anti-discrimination provisions that gives workers the right to report discriminatory practices in the workplace.
“These reforms were achieved through inclusive engagement with stakeholders — unions,
employers, and civil society — and reflect our shared vision for a fair, competitive, and
humane labour environment,” Gerawat shared. – DayakDaily
