Written by Prisca Natellya Anak Dinnes
The Industrial Relations and Employment Programme (IREP) was invited to attend the Sambutan Hari Pekerja 2025 Peringkat Sarawak “Pekerja Cemerlang Sarawak Maju Makmur” organized by the Premier’s Department, Immigration and Labour Management Unit (ILMU) and Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC) Sarawak. The event took place at Hikmah Exchange Event Centre, Kuching on 18th May 2025. A total of 26 IREP students, along with IRED lecturers and staff from FSSH UNIMAS attended this programme.
This event was also joined by various organizations and agencies from the Federal and State Government and also organisations from private sectors namely Malaysian Trade Union Congress Sarawak (MTUC Sarawak), Sarawak Teacher’s Union (STU), Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS), Tabung Haji Sarawak, Social Security Organization (SOCSO), E-MART, Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (PETROS), Employees Union of Petronas (KAPENAS Sarawak), Air Asia Berhad, Sarawak Energy Berhad, Jabatan Tenaga Kerja Sarawak, Jabatan Hal Ehwal Kesatuan Sekerja (JHEKS) Sarawak.
The programme commenced with a briefing by Mr. Phang Pin, Senior Assistant Director of the Sarawak Labour Department, on the recent amendments to the Sarawak Labour Ordinance (Amendment) Act 2025, which came into effect on 1 May 2025. The briefing covered key updates including expanded employee coverage, working hours, minimum wages, public holidays, maternity and paternity leave, provisions against sexual harassment and workplace discrimination, housing and accommodation standards, and the revised minimum working age. This was followed by a speech from YBrs. Haji Zaidi Nasar, Director of MTUC Sarawak, and subsequently by YB Datuk Gerawat Gala, Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department. Both speakers emphasised the importance of enhancing workers’ productivity and performance while ensuring the protection of their rights and welfare.
The opening speech was delivered by the Premier of Sarawak, YAB Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg. In his address, he highlighted the importance of lifelong learning and continuous upskilling to enhance the quality and relevance of the workforce, particularly among younger generations. He emphasized that the recent amendments to the Sarawak Labour Ordinance (SLO) reflect the need to align Sarawak’s labour standards with the Malaysian Employment Act and the benchmarks set by the International Labour Organization (ILO). This harmonisation, he stated, is vital to safeguarding workers’ welfare and benefits while simultaneously boosting productivity. The Premier also touched on key issues such as wage increases and the proposal for free tertiary education for all Sarawakians, regardless of age.
Overall, the event was both fruitful and inspiring, symbolising Sarawak’s continued progress under the leadership of Premier Abang Jo. Highlights included the presentation of awards to outstanding workers and a symbolic recognition of the state’s achievements in labour development. As students, the knowledge gained and exposure received during the programme reminded us of the importance of enhancing our skills and adaptability to remain relevant in today’s dynamic job market. This aligns closely with the event’s theme, “Pekerja Cemerlang, Sarawak Maju Makmur,” especially as we navigate the challenges posed by the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and ongoing digital transformation. We are truly grateful for the opportunity to attend this event, which not only deepened our understanding of labour issues but also strengthened the connection between institutions like UNIMAS and MTUC as key platforms for meaningful industry-academia engagement.
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