KUCHING: The Union Network International-Malaysian Labour Council (UNI-MLC) has expressed full support for the Human Resource Ministry’s call urging Sabah and Sarawak to amend their respective state Labour Ordinances to align with the Employment Act 1955.
UNI-MLC vice-president Mohamad Ibrahim Hamid said that such amendments would ensure that workers in both states enjoy the same benefits and rights as workers in Peninsular Malaysia.
“Currently, there are certain benefits that workers in Sarawak and Sabah do not enjoy, such as the shorter total working hours per week (from 48 hours to 45 hours), the longer maternity leave (98 days compared to 60 days, with a difference of 38 days), and paternity leave of seven days.”
Mohamad Ibrahim highlighted that employees in Sabah and Sarawak have been left behind for half a year, and it is crucial to achieve uniformity and equality in the terms and conditions of employment for all Malaysian workers.
“The same matters have been raised before this and it is hoped that the government will expedite the amendment this time,” he told New Sarawak Tribune.
Federal Deputy Human Resources Minister Mustapha Sakmud, during a courtesy visit to Sarawak, advised both states to amend their respective Labour Ordinances to align with the amendments to the Employment Act 1955, which came into effect in January 2023.
Mustapha mentioned that Sarawak provided positive feedback but has yet to make any amendments to the ordinance.
However, Sarawak Housing and Real Estate Developers Association, Kuching branch chairman Datuk Sim Kiang Chiok expressed the opinion that Sarawak should have the autonomy to decide on the matter.
“I believe that there is a reason why we have our state labour law or autonomy over the human resources; this is to allow us to make decisions based on the local labour market as well as other issues,” he said.
Sim pointed out that Sarawak’s size is almost equivalent to the whole of Peninsular Malaysia, yet it has a small population. He suggested that certain aspects need to be addressed before amending the ordinance.
“If our state government were to decide to follow suit; most employers and companies will have to make some adjustments to accommodate more leave for female employees.
“In addition, this might make Sarawak a less attractive place for foreign investment as the amendment of the Labour ordinance (or new benefits) will increase compliance cost of doing business here,” he added.
