Written by Gabriella Lee Mei Yan
From 9 to 12 February 2026, the Sarawak Division of the Department of Trade Union Affairs (JHEKS) successfully organised the Sarikei Collaboration & Corporate Social Responsibility Programme at Sarikei Innovation Centre and Kampung Seberang, Sarikei. The programme was held in collaboration with the Malaysian Trade Union Congress (MTUC) Sarawak Division and the Industrial Relations and Employment Programme (IREP), Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS).
A total of 29 students from the Industrial Relations and Employment Programme participated in the initiative, with several students appointed to serve on the organising committees to ensure the smooth implementation of activities. The programme was conducted under the supervision of Awang Mashabi bin Awang Mohamad, Programme Advisor of IREP, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities (FSSH), UNIMAS.
On 9 February 2026, five IREP student representatives, together with Awang Mashabi bin Awang Mohamad, conducted a Higher Education Aspiration Briefing at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan St. Anthony, Sarikei. The session aimed to provide SPM and STPM school leavers with insights into further study opportunities at UNIMAS. Approximately 90 graduating students attended the briefing. The students and teachers demonstrated strong enthusiasm, actively participating in the Q&A session. Such engagement is vital in equipping school leavers with informed knowledge to support their future educational and career decisions.
On 10 February 2026, JHEKS Sarawak organised a public awareness initiative titled the “Law Awareness Programme” for the Sarikei community. The programme was opened by Tuan Haji Zaidi bin Nasar, Chairman of MTUC Sarawak, and officiated by the Director-General of the Department of Trade Union Affairs Malaysia, Yang Berusaha Tuan Haji Mohd Asri bin Abdul Wahad, as the guest of honour. The initiative aimed to enhance public awareness of employment-related laws and regulations. A total of 47 participants attended the programme. Four informative talks were delivered throughout the day, focusing on issues highly relevant to working individuals and the general public.
The first talk, titled “Rights to Paid Wages as a Worker” (Hak Dibayar Gaji Sebagai Pekerja), was delivered by an officer from Jabatan Tenaga Kerja Sarawak. The session focused on workers’ fundamental rights as stipulated under labour laws, particularly the entitlement to timely and lawful payment of wages.
The second talk, “Rights and Protection as a Contributor” (Hak dan Perlindungan Sebagai Pencarum), was presented by an officer from Pertubuhan Keselamatan Sosial (PERKESO) Sarawak. This session highlighted the social security protections available to employees, including compensation and claims for workplace accidents, occupational injuries, and incidents occurring while commuting to and from work.
The programme continued with a third presentation by Department of Trade Union Affairs (JHEKS) Sarawak, delivered by Encik Ismail bin Mohammad. His talk emphasised the importance of forming and joining trade unions as a vital mechanism for safeguarding workers’ rights, welfare, and collective interests.
The final session of the day was presented by Puan Siti Marianne binti Mohammad Zaidi, Treasurer of Malaysian Trade Union Congress (MTUC) Sarawak. Her presentation centred on common workplace issues and practical approaches to managing and resolving conflicts effectively. The programme concluded with an interactive discussion session, during which members of the public and IREP students actively exchanged ideas and presented their reflections, fostering meaningful dialogue between stakeholders.
On 11 February 2026, a Community Service Programme was organised at Kampung Seberang, Sarikei, led by JHEKS Sarawak in collaboration with MTUC Sarawak and IREP of UNIMAS. The initiative aimed to support underprivileged local families by providing essential material assistance to help sustain their livelihoods. Representatives from 70 families attended the programme.
Beyond benefiting the local community, the initiative also provided IREP students with valuable exposure to working alongside government agencies and professional organisations in community outreach efforts. This hands-on experience aligned closely with the programme’s objective of enhancing students’ practical skills, social awareness, and professional development. The team further extended their support by distributing donated clothing to local residents as part of a charitable initiative. The heartfelt appreciation expressed by the community served as a meaningful reminder of the importance of compassion, empathy, and social responsibility in fostering a caring and inclusive society.
FSSH – A Partner for Social Change