KUCHING: The Sarawak Patriotic Association (SPA) welcomed the Sarawak Labour Ordinance (Amendment) Bill 2024.
Its president Datuk John Lau said the ordinance aims to create a fairer, safer, and more inclusive labour market, providing significant improvements to the protection of workers across various sectors.
“It ensures that no worker, regardless of their position, salary, or type of employment, is left behind when it comes to basic rights and welfare,” he said in a statement today.
He was reacting to the passing of the Sarawak Labour Ordinance (Amendment) Bill 2024, tabled by Human Resources Steven Sim Minister in Parliament yesterday (Dec 12).
Lau went on to say the ordinance which updates and improves the previous labour laws, brings several significant changes designed to enhance the rights and benefits of workers in Sarawak, regardless of salary and job type.
He said some of the key highlights include expanded protected for all workers, improved working conditions, increased paid leave, wage protection, enhanced job security, more employee benefit, and fair treatment for all workers.
“The ordinance extends these protections to all workers, irrespective of whether they are skilled or unskilled, or if they are paid on an hourly, daily, or monthly basis,” he added.
He said the ordinance also sets clearer guidelines for workplace safety, health, and well-being, requiring employers to provide safer and healthier work environments, including proper work hours and rest periods, regardless of the nature of the job.
“Workers are also entitled to more generous paid leave, which includes annual leave, sick leave, and maternity leave. This ensures that workers are better supported in their personal lives while maintaining a healthy work-life balance,” he said.
He said the ordinance emphasises the protection of workers’ wages and this includes clearer provisions on timely payment and ensuring that workers are not subjected to unfair wage deductions.
With the introduction of more comprehensive regulations, he said, job security for workers has been strengthened.
“The ordinance outlines clearer terms for termination and provides workers with more protection from unjust dismissal,” he said.
He said workers in Sarawak will also benefit from improved social security provisions, and these may include better access to benefits like insurance, compensation for work-related injuries, and retirement savings contributions.
“A key part of the ordinance ensures workers are treated fairly, with measures to combat workplace discrimination, harassment, and unfair treatment regardless of their job type or salary,” he said.
