Sabah workers' rights better protected under SLAC

13 May 2025

KOTA KINABALU: The newly established Sabah Labour Advisory Council (SLAC) is set to play a key role in safeguarding workers’ rights and strengthening tripartite relations between the government, employers, and employees in Sabah.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor said the formation of SLAC would enhance the protection of workers’ rights and welfare, while also supporting employers in managing their operations in a more orderly and systematic manner.

"I hope that the establishment of SLAC will serve as a platform for employers and employees to share views and give suggestions on labour-related matters to the government so that policies and legislation that are more suited to Sabah’s industrial landscape can be implemented," he said.

Speaking at the appointment ceremony of SLAC's permanent members and its inaugural meeting held at the Shangri-La Tanjung Aru Resort today, Hajiji said that the role of SLAC is to strengthen the relationship between the State Government and the Federal Government through the State Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation and the Federal Ministry of Human Resources.

Sabah Science, Technology and Innovation Minister, Datuk Dr Ariffin Arif delivered the Chief Minister’s speech.

This tripartite discussion involving the government, employers, and employees is in line with the International Labour Organisation's Tripartite Consultation Convention (No. 144) of 1976, he said.

Hajiji hopes the council members, comprising of 16 representatives from the government, 16 from the employers’ associations, and 16 from the workers’ unions, can play their roles and provide valuable input to the government to benefit Sabah’s economic development.

"Every decision made in the SLAC meetings will be brought to the attention of the State and Federal Governments for further action," he said. Hajiji noted that the Prime Minister's announcement atthis year's National Labour Day celebrations marks an important turning point in labor administration in Sabah.

"It will ensure that related issues such as the eradication of forced labour, workplace discrimination and sexual harassment, protection of women and children, management of non-resident workers, flexible working hours, housing and accommodation, and workers’ facilities can be empowered," he said.

He stated that resolving all issues related to workers will positively impact Sabah, especially in the economic sector since a stable workforce and efficient labour lawsystem are important elements in attracting investors to the state.

The Chief Minister said to ensure the smooth implementation of the amendment to the Sabah Labour Ordinance (Amendment) 2025, the State Government will continue to enhance cooperation with all stakeholders.

"I also urge all employers and industry players to welcome this initiative and fulfill their responsibilities with a deep sense of patriotism for the common good," he said.

The Chief Minister said cooperation between the government, employers, and employees is crucial in the set up of the SLAC to ensure the Decent Work Agenda, the main aspiration of the International Labour Organisation, can be implemented.

"In Sabah, this aspiration aligns with our state development that emphasises a balance between economic growth and the welfare of the people. It is our responsibility to ensure that the principles of the Decent Work Agenda are not just slogans, but are embedded in every policy, practice, and action," he said.

In this regard, Hajiji said the State Government welcomes the Federal Government's move to raise the monthly minimum wage from RM1,500 to RM1,700 through the Minimum Wage Order 2024.

"We must ensure that every worker in Sabah receives a salary that is commensurate with their contributions," he said.

He also congratulated the Sabah Labour Department for its enforcement activities through Statutory Inspections, Complaint Investigations, and Labour Court Case Handling last year, which had benefited 13,487 workers involving RM22.2 million.

In addition, he said priority must also be given to safety and health, as well as strengthening social protection for workers through the Employees Provident Fund (EPF), the Social Security Organisation (SOCSO), and the Employment Insurance System.

Other measures include enhancing opportunities for skill and career development, as well as upholding freedom of speech and the right to associate in an organisation through trade unions.

"Labour laws are not a form of pressure on employers, but a mechanism to ensure continuity and harmony in employment relations."

"When workers are protected and valued, productivity will increase, and the economy will thrive. This is the philosophy we want to instill through SLAC," he said.