Kota Kinabalu: The State Government hopes the Sabah Labour Ordinance Act amendment scheduled for second reading in October will receive unanimous support from Members of Parliament.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said it was tabled for first reading by the Human Resources Minister in July.
“I am very confident this amendment will benefit employers and workers in Sabah with more detailed and orderly guidance for all parties in improving industrial relations to make it more harmonious and conducive,” he said, when officiating the 2024 National-level Convention on Combating Human Trafficking and Forced Labour at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC), Thursday.
Hajiji said the State Government had given its full support because one of the 16 items is related to human and labour rights as well as the elimination of discrimination that provides for offences and punishments for employers or any party that practices human trafficking, forced labour and child labour.
This is in line with the Government’s role in ratifying Protocol 29 of the International Labour Organization (ILO).
He said human trafficking and forced labour need to be dealt with wisely in accordance with existing policies and legislation so that it can be curbed and eradicated.
“Sabah which shares borders with several countries including Indonesia and the Philippines makes cross-border travel easier, which in turn makes Sabah vulnerable to cross-border migration activities, human trafficking and forced labour,” he said.
Hajiji said the State Government recognises and acknowledges the important role of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Council (Mapo) led by the Home Affairs Ministry (KDN) and the appointed agencies in combating human trafficking and forced labour in Malaysia.
Hence, he said cooperation between the State Government and Federal agencies, especially those directly involved under the umbrella of Mapo, needs to be strengthened to ensure that the aspects of enforcement, protection and prevention of human trafficking and forced labour can be implemented as best as possible so that Malaysia is not accused of neglecting or take the issue for granted.
He said employees are the main asset and strategic partner to the economic development of a country because employees who are knowledgeable, highly skilled and have an identity are the most important basis for the country to remain competitive and increase productivity so that the national economy is always sustainable and competitive at the global level.
Hajiji wants all employers to always ensure good industry practices are implemented, improve labour standards as stipulated in national policy and legislation, to ensure that the Government’s aspirations to see this country free from the practice of human trafficking and forced labour become a reality and can be realised.
“This is important in helping the State Government implement various development agendas through the Halatuju Sabah Maju Jaya, which not only requires competitive workers but must comply with national legislation,” he stressed.
He also hoped that the approximately 178,000 employers in Sabah would participate in signing pledges and commitments in the fight against human trafficking and forced labour.
He said employers as important people should take this issue seriously, support and instil commitment to dealing with crimes that can threaten the safety of the people in the State.
Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail and Human Resources Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong as well as State Cabinet ministers were present.
