KUCHING: In conjunction with this year’s Labour Day celebration, Deputy Minister in the Premier of Sarawak’s Department (Labour, Immigration and Project Monitoring), Datuk Gerawat Gala, extended his appreciation to the entire Sarawak workforce for being the driving force behind the state’s progress and development.

He noted that the resilience, determination and unity shown by workers—especially during the COVID-19 pandemic and its recovery phase—have served as a vital source of inspiration in Sarawak’s continued growth.

This year also marks a pivotal moment in the state’s labour legislation landscape, as the amendments to the Sarawak Labour Ordinance (SLO) have been passed by Parliament, received royal assent, and are expected to come into force on 1 May 2025.

“These amendments align Sarawak’s labour laws with the Employment Act 1955 enforced in Peninsular Malaysia and bring them in line with international standards.

“It reflects the state government’s commitment to ensuring social justice and fair employment practices in Sarawak,” he said in a media statement on Thursday.

Key amendments include the extension of legal protection to all categories of workers regardless of salary or job designation, an increase in maternity leave to 98 days, and the introduction of seven days of paid paternity leave for eligible fathers.

The maximum weekly working hours will also be reduced from 48 to 45 hours to promote better work-life balance.

In addition, workers will now be entitled to apply for flexible working arrangements, and standards for employee accommodation will be significantly improved.

To combat workplace discrimination, employees will also have the right to lodge complaints regarding unfair treatment or practices.

Datuk Gerawat explained that the amendments were formulated through a consultative process involving various stakeholders, including trade unions, employers, and civil society groups.

“Labour Day is not only a celebration of the contributions of workers, but also a reminder that safeguarding workers’ rights is a shared responsibility.

“Legislation merely provides the foundation—success lies in the mutual understanding and collaboration between employers and employees,” he stressed.

In a related development, Sarawak is poised to make history as it hosts its first-ever state-level Labour Day assembly on 18 May 2025, which will be officiated by the Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg.

The event will serve as a platform to honour workers across all sectors and reaffirm the state government’s commitment to labour welfare.

“Let us continue to move forward in unity and with a shared determination to ensure that no worker is left behind in building a progressive and prosperous Sarawak,” he added. -UKASnews