KUCHING: Aligning Sarawak’s labour framework with global standards reflects the state’s commitment to protecting workers’ rights without compromising its autonomy, says Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
Abang Johari said that this year marks the first implementation of the amended Sarawak Labour Ordinance (SLO), following its approval by the federal government.
“Several provisions in the SLO were accepted by the federal government.
“As a result, the Malaysian Employment Act has been harmonised with the Sarawak Labour Ordinance, incorporating unique elements specific to Sarawak into the law.
“This means we have already aligned our labour law provisions with the Malaysian Employment Act as well as with standards set by the International Labour Organisation (ILO),” he said when met by reporters after officiating at the 2025 Workers Day Celebration at Hikmah Exchange Event Centre (HEEC) here today.
Earlier, Abang Johari stressed the importance of carefully studying the legal details of the state labour law to protect workers’ rights within the state.
“If we surrender these rights, some may be eroded. Why do we want to defend Sarawak’s rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63)? Because the government is cautious,” he said.
He acknowledged that the process had been cautious and somewhat slow, but insisted this deliberate approach was a necessary sacrifice to ensure proper alignment without compromising the state’s interests.
“I thank the Minister of Human Resources, whose amendments align with international standards, and I also express my appreciation to the federal government for accepting Sarawak’s amendments,” he said.
He also praised the collaborative efforts of the government agencies, unions and private sector in organising Sarawak’s first state-level Labour Day celebration, which typically coincides with national celebrations on May 1.
“This is what is called the tripartite, the government, the employer, and the worker. If the triangle is stable, our country and state will progress.
“Because there must be connectivity among the three, workers, employers, and the government, working as one team, like ngap sayot (Sarawak spirit), and this ngap sayot spirit must drive the development of our state, Sarawak, although sometimes it takes time,” he said.
