Labour Ordinance of Sarawak (Amendment) Bill 2024: A Historic Step towards Worker Protection
Introduction
The Labour Ordinance of Sarawak (Amendment) Bill 2024 was passed in the Dewan Rakyat today, aiming to ensure the rights of 1.46 million workers in the state are protected. This historic amendment to the Labour Ordinance, last amended in 2005, is a significant step towards improving the working conditions and welfare of workers in Sarawak.
Background
Human Resource Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong described the amendment as the final piece of labour legislation to be completed this year. The Ministry of Human Resources has completed eight major labour laws addressing issues such as wages, social security, workplace safety and health, trade union activities, and workers’ rights and protection.
Key Provisions
The Bill seeks to improve maternity benefit by increasing the entitlement to maternity leave from 60 days to 98 days. Additionally, it introduces provisions for overtime pay, work on public holidays and rest days, applicable to employees earning below RM4,000 monthly, up from the previous threshold of RM2,001. The Bill also provides for seven-day paternity leave.
Scope of the Ordinance
The scope of the Ordinance has been expanded to cover all workers regardless of income or job type. The separation of sick leave and hospitalisation leave has also been introduced, as well as six mandatory public holidays, namely National Day, Labour Day, King’s Birthday, Yang Dipertua Negeri’s birthday, Malaysia Day, and Sarawak Independence Day.
Reactions from Stakeholders
Union Network International-Malaysia Labour Centre (UNI-MLC) president Datuk Mohamed Shafie BP Mammal welcomed the amendment, highlighting its potential benefits for Sarawak’s workers. "UNI-MLC views this as the beginning of a new era, contributing to better outcomes for Sarawak’s workers and ensuring equal protections similar to those enjoyed by workers in Peninsular Malaysia," he said.
Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF) president Datuk Dr Syed Hussain Syed Husman also commended the amendment, stating that it would enhance the competitiveness of Sarawak’s exports as businesses operate in a more sustainable economic environment.
Conclusion
The Labour Ordinance of Sarawak (Amendment) Bill 2024 is a significant step towards protecting the rights of workers in Sarawak. The improved maternity benefits, overtime pay, and paternity leave provisions are expected to have a positive impact on the well-being of workers and their families. The expansion of the Ordinance to cover all workers and the introduction of mandatory public holidays are also expected to improve work-life balance and enhance the overall working conditions in Sarawak.
FAQs
Q: What is the aim of the Labour Ordinance of Sarawak (Amendment) Bill 2024?
A: The aim of the Bill is to ensure the rights of 1.46 million workers in Sarawak are protected.
Q: What are the key provisions of the Bill?
A: The Bill improves maternity benefit, introduces overtime pay, work on public holidays and rest days, and provides for seven-day paternity leave.
Q: Who is covered by the Ordinance?
A: The Ordinance covers all workers regardless of income or job type.
Q: What are the reactions from stakeholders to the amendment?
A: Union Network International-Malaysia Labour Centre (UNI-MLC) and Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF) have welcomed the amendment, highlighting its potential benefits for Sarawak’s workers and the competitiveness of Sarawak’s exports.