Kota Kinabalu: Three major labour organisations in Sabah have voiced their strong support for the labour reform initiatives undertaken by the Ministry of Human Resources under its Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong.
In a joint statement, Sabah MTUC Chairperson Mohd Airy Arin, Sabah Cuepacs Chairperson Ajulahin Japin and Sabah MLC-UNI representative Jackelina Lajium welcomed the Minister’s recent visit to meet with over 100 union leaders in the State.
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They praised Sim’s direct engagement with Sabah’s workers’ representatives as a demonstration of the Federal Government’s commitment to hearing the voices of workers in the State.
“The Minister’s success in ending a 20-year wait through the 2024 amendment to the Sabah Labour Ordinance marks a turning point in our state’s labour history.
“This ensures Sabah workers finally enjoy more equitable protection aligned with current labour standards practiced in peninsular states,” they said.
They also welcomed the enactment of the Gig Workers Act, which for the first time recognises the contributions of gig economy workers and provides them with social protection.
They noted this legal recognition is crucial for thousands of Sabahans who depend on gig platforms for their livelihoods in the digital economy era.
Additionally, they expressed strong support for the Ministry’s latest initiative to ensure workers are protected by Socso 24 hours a day, not just during working hours.
“This is an important game changer in expanding social security coverage beyond work hours,” they said.
They said that close cooperation between the State and Federal Governments is essential to ensure the welfare and development agenda for Sabah’s workers receives proper advocacy and reaches workers directly.
