KUCHING: The passing of the amendments to the Sarawak Labour Ordinance (SLO) is a good news for employees and employers in the state.
In welcoming the Sarawak Labour Ordinance (Amendment) Bill 2024, Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Labour, Immigration and Project Monitoring) Datuk Gerawat Gala expressed his satisfaction with the passing of the Bill.
“The amendments are in line with international labour standards and practices and create a legislative framework to promote harmonious labour relations which is conducive for economic growth,” he told Sarawak Tribune when contacted.
Gerawat noted the amendments incorporate recent amendments to the Employment Act (this Act is only applicable to Malaya) which include improved employee benefits such as reduced weekly working hours, extended maternity leave, introduction of paternity leave, provisions against sexual harassment, and improved workers housing or accommodation conditions.
He said the SLO amendments also incorporated provisions of the Employees’ Minimum Standards of Housing, Accommodations and Amenities Act (Act 446) with modification to suit Sarawak’s needs as a new chapter in SLO ensuring that the employers who provides housing and accommodation are subject to minimum standards to ensure the welfare of the employees are being taken care of in relation to housing, accommodation and amenities.
“Meanwhile, a new Section 130P has been incorporated as part of the amendments which require the general government to have prior consultation with the state government before any future amendments could be made to SLO.
“This is intended to protect the rights and interest of both workers and employers in Sarawak and the state’s autonomy,” he said.
Gerawat added there is also a provision allowing the delegation of powers to the state government to make regulations under the SLO in matters which are peculiar to Sarawak.
“The amendments have been agreed to by all relevant stakeholders including employee and employer representatives as well as relevant government ministries, departments and agencies after a series of engagement sessions,” he said.
He said that the next step is to wait for the Dewan Negara to pass the amendments after which the assent of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong will be obtained followed by the gazetting of the effective date of the amendment by the Minister For Human Resource, Malaysia.
“We thank the Minister of Human Resource Steven Sim, and the Federal Attorney General’s Chambers for preparing the amendment Bill for the approval of Parliament.
“We also thank our Premier for his valuable and wise guidance and advice which facilitated the resolution of some important issues.
“And the employees’ and employer’s representatives together with the relevant government ministries, departments and agencies, and industry players who have contributed and worked together to ensure the amendments are fair and equitable for all parties,” he said.
He said the government will continue to review the Sarawak Labour Ordinance (SLO) periodically to ensure its relevance to the current and future needs of industries and employees.
