Kota Kinabalu: The Human Resources Ministry (Kesuma) and the Trade Union Affairs Department (Jheks) remain committed to strengthening the capacity of trade unions across the country.
Deputy Human Resources Minister Datuk Khairul Firdaus Akhbar Khan said a total allocation of RM6.1 million had been channelled through Jheks to assist unions in carrying out various activities.
He said RM3.5 million had been distributed as grants to trade unions based on approved clusters, while RM2.6 million has been set aside for Outreach Programmes and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives.
“The main objective of the Trade Union Affairs (Pheks) Programme is to strengthen the capacity of trade unions so they can be more effective in protecting the welfare, rights and interests of workers,” he said at the Sabah state-level PHEKS Grant Handover Ceremony 2026 here on Monday.
His speech was read by Development, Finance and Human Resources Division Secretary Datuk Ahmad Firdaus Baharuddin.
Khairul said the initiative reflects the government’s ongoing commitment to strengthening strategic ties with trade unions.
“As strategic partners in national development, trade unions play a vital role in ensuring workers’ voices are heard and their rights protected,” he said.
He added that the grants should be viewed not only as financial assistance but also as an investment in the future of the labour movement in Malaysia.
He stressed that the funds must be used effectively to strengthen union capacity, expand member development programmes, enhance awareness of rights and responsibilities, and intensify advocacy efforts at industry level.
“Strong and dynamic trade unions will help build more harmonious industrial relations and contribute to sustainable economic growth,” he said.
He expressed confidence that with strong cooperation among all parties, Malaysia can further uplift the dignity of workers and strengthen a more progressive and inclusive labour system.
Sabah Head of State Tun Musa Aman officiated the ceremony and presented the PHEKS grants to 38 trade union representatives from across Sabah.
Also present were Deputy Chief Minister III cum Industrial Development, Cooperatives and Transport Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick, Jheks Deputy Director-General Anita Ahmad, and Sabah Jheks Director Noraini Ithnin.
