By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Dec 12: The Sarawak Labour Ordinance (Amendment) Bill 2024 was passed in Parliament today, marking a historic milestone after nearly 20 years of waiting 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].
Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC) Sarawak chairman Zaidi Nasar expressed his gratitude to the Malaysia Minister of Human Resources Steven Sim, Premier Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department (Labour, Immigration and Project Monitoring) Datuk Gerawat Gala.
“We also express our gratitude to the Sarawak Department of Labour and the affiliated members of MTUC Sarawak Division for their unwavering support and cooperation throughout this process,” he said in a press statement today.
The key amendments in the Sarawak Labour Ordinance (Amendment) Bill 2024 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, reduction of working hours from 48 hours per week to 45 hours per week, establishing new provisions for flexible working arrangements, setting minimum standards of housing, accommodation, and worker facilities, and addressing workplace discrimination complaints through new provisions.
“We hope these amendments will greatly benefit all workers in Sarawak and further strengthen the protection of their rights. Thank you for the support and efforts of everyone involved,” Zaidi added. — DayakDaily
