Written by Krysha Alvina Juma, FSSH Student
On 26 September 2026, the Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC), Kesatuan Pekerja-pekerja Koperasi Koperkasa Sarawak Berhad (UKES), and Jabatan Tenaga Kerja (JTK) Sarawak jointly organised a talk session on Labour Laws and Workers’ Rights in Sarawak. The session was held from 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Malaysian Trades Union Congress meeting room. A total of 17 students from the Industrial Relations and Employment Programme (IREP), including students from different years and postgraduate students, participated in the session. The programme was also attended by trade union members and representatives from organisations such as the Sarawak Teachers’ Union (STU), Kuching Port Authority (KPA) and others. Encik Awang Mashabi bin Awang Mohamad was present as the lecturer in charge from IREP.
The programme began with registration by members of UKES, followed by opening speeches delivered by Puan Siti Marianne binti Mohammad Zaidi, President of UKES, and Encik Ismail bin Mohammad, an Industrial Relations Officer from JTK Sarawak. The main talk was delivered by Encik Ismail, who focused on labour laws and workers’ rights in Sarawak, particularly the Sarawak Labour Ordinance (Chapter 76). Among the topics discussed were flexible working arrangements, payment of wages, maternity and paternity leave, ordinary leave entitlements, working hours and workplace discrimination.
An open question-and-answer session was also conducted, allowing participants to ask questions, share their opinions and respond to issues discussed during the session. The participation of trade union members also gave IREP students an opportunity to hear about actual workplace issues, including concerns regarding unfair treatment and discrimination. This provided students with a better understanding of how labour laws and workers’ rights relate to real workplace situations.
The session was beneficial to IREP students as it provided a more detailed understanding of workers’ rights, the Sarawak Labour Ordinance and certain procedures related to workplace issues. The sharing of actual concerns by trade union members was also an eye-opening experience, as it showed students some of the challenges and unfair practices that may occur in the workplace. The programme further provided students with an opportunity to connect with individuals involved in trade unions and industrial relations, strengthening the link between academic learning and practical workplace experiences.
The programme concluded with a photo session and certificate presentation. Overall, the session increased participants’ awareness of labour laws and workers’ rights in Sarawak while providing IREP students with valuable exposure to current workplace issues and the role of trade unions in protecting workers’ interests.
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