KUCHING, May 2 — Employees in Sarawak finally have access to the benefits their counterparts in Peninsular Malaysia are enjoying as the amended Sarawak Labour Ordinance (SLO) came into effect yesterday.
Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC) Sarawak Division chairman Zaidi Nasar said Sarawakian workers had waited for such labour reforms for over 20 years.
Among the key changes now in force are a seven-day paternity leave for male employees, and an extension of maternity leave from 60 to 98 days, aligning with national standards and offering stronger support for working families.
“The maximum weekly working hours has been reduced from 48 to 45 hours to ensure the better wellbeing and productivity of employees. In addition, contract workers now enjoy stronger protections including fairer contract periods and access to employment benefits equivalent to permanent employees,” he said in a statement issued today.
Zaidi said overtime pay had been adjusted to be comparable to workers in Peninsular Malaysia while there will be increased protection for workers’ rights relating to workplace safety, including stricter regulations for employers to provide a safe and risk-free work environment.
He said workers are now given the opportunity to apply for Flexible Working Arrangements, which allow them to adjust their working hours, work locations and work methods to improve their work-life balance.
He added that employers must consider these applications fairly in line with the interests of the company’s operations and the wellbeing of their employees.
“The SLO is now extended to all workers regardless of salary limit or type of employment. This ensures that all workers in Sarawak are fully protected under labour laws, providing fairness and wellbeing to every worker including professionals and executives,” he said.
Zaidi pointed out that enforcement mechanisms are also strengthened to ensure that employers comply with labour regulations, with stricter action against non-compliance.
According to him, this success is a testament to the joint efforts of the leadership and trade unions in championing the rights of Sarawakian workers.
“With this amendment, the Sarawakian workforce sector is now able to enjoy benefits on a par with their counterparts in Peninsular Malaysia. Well done to the leadership that truly listens and acts in the interests of Sarawakian workers,” he said. — The Borneo Post
Malay Mail. (2025, May 2). After more than 20 years, Sarawak labour law finally updated, aligning rights with Peninsular Malaysia. Malay Mail. Retrieved from https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2025/05/02/after-more-than-20-years-sarawak-labour-law-finally-updated-aligning-rights-with-peninsular-malaysia/175258
- PERKESO reforms ensure comprehensive protection for all workers, says HR Minister
KUALA LUMPUR: The Human Resources Ministry, through the Social Security Organisation (PERKESO), continues to undertake comprehensive reforms to strengthen social protection for all contributors, including gig workers and foreign workers, says Steven Sim Chee Keong. The Human Resources Minister said that 10 major reforms have been implemented over the past two years to provide more […] - KESUMA’s drive for fair work and shared progress
The LIFE AT WORK Awards (LAWA) hosted by Talent Corporation Malaysia Bhd (TalentCorp), celebrates its 10th edition, solidifying its influence as a platform that drives transformation in diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in Malaysian workspaces. With concerns regarding human capital rising amid the ubiquity of artificial intelligence (AI), it is crucial now more than ever […] - ‘Many employers not making mandatory Perkeso, EPF contributions’
KLANG: The Human Resources Ministry has detected a worrying number of employers still refusing to register or make mandatory contributions to the Social Security Organisation (Perkeso) and Employees Provident Fund (EPF) for their workers. The ministry stressed that such actions violated employees’ rights and denied them basic protection. Deputy Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri Abdul […] - Nearly 500 labour law breach cases detected
KLANG: Almost 500 investigation papers have been opened against employers for breaches of labour laws as of Nov 1, says Deputy Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Mohamad. Among the most common labour law offences are employers’ failure to make the mandatory contributions to the Social Security Organisation (PERKESO) or the Employees Provident Fund […] - MOHR Won’t Tolerate Companies Preventing Workers From Forming Union
The Industrial Relations Department of the Human Resources Ministry (MOHR) has reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding workers’ rights after a gathering and memorandum submission by several labour unions concerning alleged union-busting practices. The department emphasised that it respects the constitutional right to peaceful assembly and freedom of speech, while reiterating that workers’ rights to form […] - Court Orders Employer To Pay 93 Migrant Workers Outstanding Wages
Human Resources Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong has welcomed the Shah Alam High Court’s decision to uphold an earlier ruling by the Labour Court, ordering an employer to pay outstanding wages to 93 migrant workers who were left without work upon arrival in Malaysia. The High Court on 31 October 2025 affirmed the Labour Court’s […] - No tolerance for employers who withhold wages, says HR Minister
The Ministry of Human Resources (KESUMA) has urged all employers to take heed of the recent Shah Alam High Court ruling which upheld a decision in favour of 93 migrant workers in an unpaid wage case. Human Resources Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong said the Oct 31 decision sends a strong message that failure to […] - THE HEART WORK REVOLUTION
TEN years after its inception, the Life at Work Awards (LAWA) 2025 marked not just a milestone but a movement that celebrates how Malaysia’s workplaces are evolving with compassion, flexibility and purpose. Hosted by Talent Corporation Malaysia Bhd (TalentCorp), the gala night honoured organisations leading the way in shaping a fairer, more progressive, human-centred world […] - Group wants clear framework, pilot projects before expanding EIS to gig workers
PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Industrial, Commercial and Service Employers Association (Micsea) has called on the government to set a clear policy framework and run pilot projects before expanding the Employment Insurance System (EIS) to gig and platform-based workers. The association said the plan, announced by human resources minister Steven Sim in the Dewan Rakyat on […] - Employer group seeks clarity on foreign worker pay rules after court ruling
KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 3): The Malaysian Industrial Commercial & Service Employers Association (MICSEA) is calling on the Ministry of Human Resources (MOHR) to issue clear and structured guidelines on wage payment timelines for foreign workers, following a recent court ruling that employers must pay wages from the moment these workers arrive in Malaysia. The call […]