Sarawak implements new foreign worker management system
Minister in the Sarawak Premier's Department, Datuk Seri John Sikie Tayai said the government is embracing digitalisation and progressive regulatory frameworks to strengthen industrial relations and support sustainable economic development.
'One of the key measures is the implementation of the Foreign Workers Transformation Approach (FWTA) System, which came into effect on Jan 15,' he said during the winding-up session for his ministry at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) here today.
He said the system represents a significant leap in digitalising immigration and labour-related processes, thus streamlining recruitment, monitoring and regulation of foreign workers.
'It will increase efficiency, transparency and compliance with international labour standards, thereby enhancing Sarawak's attractiveness as a competitive and business-friendly destination,' he said.
John Sikie said the government is committed to offering non-tax incentives that improve the overall business ecosystem, thus ensuring Sarawak remains investor-friendly while safeguarding the interests of local workers.
In line with this commitment, he said the amendments to the Sarawak Labour Ordinance (SLO) had come into force as of May 1.
'These amendments are designed to enhance protection for workers, promote industrial harmony and align our labour regulations with global best practices,' he said.
He added that a harmonious and progressive industrial relations framework is vital to sustaining long-term economic growth and labour market resilience in Sarawak.
'The government will continue to engage with stakeholders to refine these frameworks, ensuring Sarawak remains a preferred destination for investment with a skilled, productive and harmonious workforce,' he said.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Borneo Post
6 hours ago
- Borneo Post
Know your rights under new minimum wage, labour reforms, MTUC tells workers
Zaidi says that the order is based on the National Wages Consultative Council Act 2011 (Act 732), which guarantees workers' right to fair wages that reflect current living costs. SARIKEI (Aug 2): The Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC) Sarawak Division has urged all workers and employers nationwide to immediately familiarise themselves with their rights and responsibilities in light of two major developments in the national labour landscape. Sarawak MTUC chairman Zaidi Nasar said the two key changes are the implementation of a RM1,700 minimum monthly wage and the enforcement of the amended Sarawak Labour Ordinance, which came into effect on May 1, 2025. 'Effective Aug 1, 2025, every employee is entitled to receive a minimum wage of RM1,700 per month under the fully implemented 2024 Minimum Wage Order,' he said in a statement yesterday. Zaidi explained that the order is based on the National Wages Consultative Council Act 2011 (Act 732), which guarantees workers' right to fair wages that reflect current living costs. 'Employers who violate workers' rights are not only breaking the law but also putting their business reputation and sustainability at significant risk,' he warned, adding that the law outlines fair penalties to ensure justice for workers. Zaidi urged workers to review their payslips and assert their right to the newly mandated wages. He also highlighted the importance of the amended Sarawak Labour Ordinance, which now provides comprehensive protection comparable to those under the Employment Act 1955 in Peninsular Malaysia. 'The amended ordinance covers all employees, regardless of salary. It provides for 98 days of maternity leave, seven days of paternity leave, a reduced 45-hour workweek, flexible work arrangements, safe accommodations, and safeguards against workplace discrimination,' he said. He emphasised that workers in Sarawak now enjoy enhanced protection and should be fully aware of their rights. Zaidi also urged employees to take action if their rights are being neglected, advising them to report to MTUC Sarawak, the Sarawak Labour Department, or their respective workplace union representatives. 'MTUC Sarawak believes that the implementation of the RM1,700 minimum wage and the reformed Sarawak Labour Ordinance will bring a comprehensive impact on Malaysia's economy and society,' he said. Among the expected benefits are improved productivity and higher motivation towards wage fairness and work-life balance, all of which align with international labour standards. 'Empowering workers is the core of national economic development. It means recognising their strategic role across all sectors and creating a more inclusive, ethical, and rights-based work environment,' Zaidi added. He also noted that these efforts are likely to enhance domestic and foreign investor confidence, as they project Malaysia's commitment to progressive labour policies and worker protection.
Malay Mail
5 days ago
- Malay Mail
Key Kelana Jaya LRT upgrade to cause service changes on weekends in August, September
SUBANG JAYA, July 28 — Prasarana Malaysia Berhad (Prasarana) will undertake a major upgrade of the signalling system on the Kelana Jaya LRT Line between August and November to improve operational efficiency, safety, and reliability. According to Prodyut Dutt, Prasarana's group chief operating officer (strategy and development), the phased upgrade will involve replacing both hardware and software components of the current system, which has been operating on outdated 1980s software. '… sourcing replacement parts has become increasingly difficult. This upgrade is essential to keep the Kelana Jaya Line safe and reliable well into the future,' Dutt said at a briefing today. The project includes migrating the current platform to the latest version of the SelTrac digital railway signalling technology and replacing legacy hardware. Key new features include enhanced data analytics for better performance monitoring an Phased upgrades Dutt explained that while most of the work will take place during non-operational hours to minimise passenger disruption, some service adjustments will be necessary. Phase 1 (June 14 - July 19) has already been completed during routine night-time maintenance windows, as works were confined to depot areas. The upcoming Phase 2 (August 9 - September 14) and Phase 3 (October 11 - November 22) will involve live system testing, requiring late weekend openings. On selected dates during Phases 2 and 3, certain stations will open later at 9am instead of the usual 6am to accommodate real-time testing. Stations not involved in testing will operate on their normal hours. Phase 2 Aug 9, 10, 16, 17, 23: KLCC, Ampang Park, Damai, Dato' Keramat, Jelatek Sept 5, 6, 7, 14: Setiawangsa, Sri Rampai, Wangsa Maju, Taman Melati, Gombak Phase 3 Oct 11, 12, 18, 19: Lembah Subang, Kelana Jaya, Taman Bahagia, Taman Paramount, Asia Jaya, Taman Jaya Nov 1, 15, 16, 22: Universiti, Kerinchi, Abdullah Hukum, Bangsar, KL Sentral, Pasar Seni, Masjid Jamek, Dang Wangi, Kampung Baru, KLCC, Ampang Park Dutt said the new system is expected to extend the lifespan of the existing signalling infrastructure by up to 20 years. As of June 30, over 80 per cent of the design and development work for the new system has been completed.
Borneo Post
5 days ago
- Borneo Post
Sikie: Use safety-conscious, uniform approach for longhouse construction
Sikie joins residents in a traditional ritual during the Mangkung Tiang ceremony at Rumah Rawing Manja, Ulu Mejau. – Ukas photo TATAU (July 28): The construction of longhouses, which are a symbol of unity and resilience among rural communities, must use a more uniform and safety-conscious approach, said Dato Sri John Sikie Tayai. The Minister in the Premier's Department said this when officiating at the Mangkung Tiang (foundation pole) ceremony for Rumah Rawing Manja in Ulu Mejau on Saturday. 'Uniformity in the ruai enhances the aesthetic appeal of longhouses while symbolising unity and cooperation among residents,' he said. He stressed the critical need for fire prevention and electrical safety, urging longhouse folk to install brick partition walls extending to the roof and to ensure all electrical wiring complies with Sarawak Energy Berhad standards. The Kakus assemblyman urged village security and development committees (JKKKs) and their security bureaus to take a more proactive role in addressing social issues, particularly drug abuse, which remains a concern in some rural areas. Sikie also outlined key development projects under the Mid Rajang Regional Development Agency (MiRRDA), reinforcing the government's commitment to transforming rural infrastructure. These include RM60 million to upgrade the road from Nanga Kelebu to Rumah Ado, Kakus; RM10 million for road upgrades to Ulu Mejau; and RM10 million for the road to Entajum. 'These projects are not just about connectivity, they are investments in the future of rural Sarawakians,' he said. Reaffirming Sarawak's Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS 2030), he said the state is on track to achieve an RM15,000 household income target by 2030. Among the flagship initiatives is the Free Tertiary Education Scheme at state-owned institutions, aimed at equipping Sarawakians for better-paying jobs. As part of his visit, Sikie also presented an RM18,000 Minor Rural Project (MRP) grant to the Rumah Rawing JKKK for local development efforts. The ceremony was attended by some 500 residents. John Sikie Tayai lead longhouse construction
