LAWAS: The Sarawak Labour Department has disbursed a total of RM31.47 million in worker compensation from January to May this year.
In the same period, the department inspected 3,514 employer premises across the state under the Sarawak Labour Ordinance (Chapter 76), resulting in 390 notifications issued for various labour-related offences.
A total of 729 labour cases were recorded statewide, with 563 compounds amounting to RM876,000 issued to employers for non-compliance.
These enforcement figures were announced by Sarawak Labour Director Awang Raduan Awang Omar during the ‘Combat Forced Labour, Protect Workers’ programme held at Hotel Seri Malaysia here today.
The event also marked the official closing of the ‘Labour Go Rural Area’ Programme (L-GRAP) 6.0, which ran from June 30 to July 5.
“These figures reflect our ongoing commitment to protecting worker rights and ensuring employers are held accountable,” said Awang Raduan.
He added that the Sarawak Labour Ordinance (Chapter 76) had been amended, with the revised provisions coming into force on May 1, 2025.
“The amended ordinance includes new measures to enhance worker welfare and strengthen employer responsibilities.
“It is crucial for both employers and workers to be informed of these changes to ensure fair, legal, and ethical employment practices in Sarawak,” he explained.
He also stressed that enforcement efforts would intensify, especially in high-risk sectors and rural areas prone to labour violations, urging employers to stay informed of legal requirements to avoid action.
