The State Government recognises trade unions as strategic partners in shaping an inclusive and forward-looking development agenda, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
Speaking at the state-level Trade Union Day at ITCC, Hajiji stressed the importance of unions in areas beyond wages, including policy-making, education, and technology adoption.
He said the government remains committed to supporting the trade union movement and creating a fair, sustainable employment ecosystem that benefits all Sabahans.
Hajiji described the assembly as a landmark event signalling a new chapter for structured and inclusive unionism under the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) development plan.
He noted that Sabah recorded over 1.7 million in labour force last year, contributing to a GDP of RM84.3 billion through sectors like agriculture, manufacturing, and services.
There are currently 92 registered trade unions in the state with over 60,000 members across the government, private, and statutory sectors, he added.
Hajiji urged union leaders to champion workers’ welfare and to make Sabah’s voice heard at the national Trade Union Assembly in Penang this September.
