KUCHING: More than 2,000 workers attended the Sarawak-level Labour Day celebration today (May 10), with participation expected to reach 3,000 people, nearly double last year’s record-setting turnout.
Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Labour, Immigration and Project Monitoring) Datuk Gerawat Gala said the growing participation reflected stronger recognition of workers’ contributions towards Sarawak’s development and economic progress.
Last year’s inaugural state-level celebration recorded more than 1,500 participants and earned recognition in the Malaysia Book of Records.
Held for the second consecutive year at the Sarawak level, the celebration brought together government agencies, employers, workers and trade unions under the theme ‘Pekerja Cemerlang, Sarawak Maju Makmur’.
Gerawat said the definition of an excellent worker today extended beyond merely achieving key performance indicators (KPIs).
He said workers must also possess integrity, embrace innovation, continuously add value and adapt quickly to changes brought about by digitalisation and automation.
“In the era of digitalisation and automation, excellent workers are not those who wait for change to happen, but those who lead change,” he said during the event at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK).
He added that Sarawak’s true strength lies in its human capital, with the state government remaining committed to expanding high-skilled employment opportunities, strengthening workforce upskilling initiatives and increasing Sarawakian participation in strategic sectors.
According to him, initiatives such as the Workforce Localisation Committee were aimed at ensuring Sarawakians emerge not only as workers, but also as industry leaders, job creators and future decision-makers.
Gerawat also highlighted amendments to the Sarawak Labour Ordinance aimed at creating a fairer, more progressive and worker-friendly employment ecosystem.
Among the improvements introduced were the extension of maternity leave from 60 days to 98 days, the introduction of seven days of paternity leave, implementation of Flexible Work Arrangements (FWA), improved workers’ accommodation standards and stricter anti-discrimination provisions.
He said the changes reflected the government’s commitment towards safeguarding workers’ welfare, dignity and wellbeing while ensuring sustainable productivity.
Among the highlights of the celebration were the presentation of Excellent Worker Awards and the launch of Job Sarawak.
This year’s awards focused on recognising private sector employees in executive and non-executive categories, while companies and government-linked companies (GLCs) implementing the Foreign Workers Transformation Approach (FWTA) system were also acknowledged for supporting digitalisation initiatives.
The celebration also saw the launch of Job Sarawak, a platform aimed at strengthening employment opportunities and workforce participation in the state.
