KUALA LUMPUR: The Industrial Relations Department (IRD) reports receiving only 246 complaints of union-busting in the last 10 years.
Deputy Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Mohamad said such complaints, received between 2015 and Aug 31 this year, related to union-busting practices or actions by employers that undermine trade union rights.
Of the number, Abdul Rahman said 158 complaints had been successfully resolved at the IRD level through conciliation.
“The remaining 24 complaints are currently under investigation and another 64 have been referred to the Industrial Court for hearing,” he said during the Dewan Rakyat question-and-answer session here on Wednesday (Oct 8).
Abdul Rahman was responding to a question from Tan Hong Pin (PH-Bakri), who wanted to know the number of complaints regarding union-busting practices received by IRD from 2015 to 2025, as well as the actions taken to address these reports.
He said that under Section 8(2) of the Industrial Relations Act 1967, the IRD director-general has the authority to take necessary measures or conduct appropriate inquiries to resolve union-busting complaints in accordance with existing legal provisions.
“The Human Resources Ministry, through the IRD, remains committed to ensuring that workers’ rights and freedom to form and join trade unions are fully protected,” he added.
Abdul Rahman also addressed the request by Tan on the findings of investigations involving two companies, Flextronics Penang and XSD International Paper.
He said inquiry and conciliation processes are currently ongoing for the complaints involving the two companies, according to Section 8(2) of Act 177.
Abdul Rahman highlighted that the ministry has implemented various proactive measures to strengthen a harmonious and fair industrial relations ecosystem.
Among these efforts are industrial relations education programmes, continuous monitoring of employer practices, and improvements to policies and legal procedures related to workers’ freedom of association.
“These efforts are in line with Malaysia’s aspirations to uphold social justice, economic well-being, and the protection of workers’ rights,” he added.
Abdul Rahman also informed the Lower House that 64 industrial dispute cases related to union busting have been referred to the Industrial Court since 2015, as of Sept 30 this year.
Of these, 58 cases have been resolved with awards issued, while six cases are still in the process of trial or awaiting a decision, he said.
Teh, A. Y., & Carvalho, M. (2025, October 8). Fewer than 300 union‑busting reports in 10 years, says Human Resource Ministry. The Star. https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2025/10/08/fewer-than-300-union-busting-reports-in-10-years-says-human-resource-ministry
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