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The Star
2 days ago
- Business
- The Star
King grants royal assent to 20 Acts, including Media Council and Parliamentary Services law
KUALA LUMPUR: The Bernama (Amendment) Act 2025, Parliamentary Services Act 2025, and Malaysian Media Council Act 2025 are among 20 Acts that have received royal assent from His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, the King of Malaysia. Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul said other Acts include the Constitution (Amendment) Act 2025, Sabah Labour Ordinance (Amendment) Act 2025, Sarawak Labour Ordinance (Amendment) Act 2025, Labuan Companies (Amendment) Act 2025, and Labuan Trusts (Amendment) Act 2025. Also granted royal assent were the Labuan Limited Partnerships and Limited Liability Partnerships (Amendment) Act 2025, Legal Profession (Amendment) Act 2025, Online Safety Act 2025, and Commercial Vehicles Licensing Board (Amendment) Act 2025. "The Agong has also assented to the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities (Amendment) Act 2025, Tunku Abdul Rahman Foundation Fund (Amendment) Act 2025, Supplementary Supply (2024) Act 2025, and Constitution (Amendment 2) Act 2025. "Also approved were the Fire Services (Amendment) Act 2025, Government Services Efficiency Commitment Act 2025, and Employees Provident Fund (Amendment) Act 2025," he said during the Dewan Rakyat sitting on Monday (July 21). Separately, in his proclamation at the start of the Second Meeting the same day, Johari announced that the sitting will run for 24 days, with a key focus on the tabling of the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP). As such, he said this parliamentary sitting is expected to extend into the night to allow Members of Parliament ample time to debate and discuss the core elements of the 13MP. "Key matters to be debated and considered during this session include Bills, motions related to the 13MP, the Auditor-General's Report 2/2025, and the Annual Report and Financial Statements of the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam)," he said. He also thanked all MPs who supported the enactment of the Parliamentary Services Act following its royal assent. He said the Act has restored the autonomy of the Malaysian Parliament, strengthened the country's democracy and reinforced the principle of separation of powers. Johari also reminded all MPs that they are required to undergo health screenings by Nov 7, as implemented in the previous sitting. He said the screenings are crucial in helping them detect early health issues and take prompt preventive measures. The Second Meeting of the Fourth Session of the 15th Parliament begins Monday and runs until Aug 28, with the tabling of the 13MP by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim scheduled for July 31. - Bernama
Barnama
2 days ago
- Business
- Barnama
King Grants Royal Assent To 20 Acts, Including Media Council And Parliamentary Services Law
GENERAL KUALA LUMPUR, July 21 (Bernama) -- The BERNAMA (Amendment) Act 2025, Parliamentary Services Act 2025, and Malaysian Media Council Act 2025 are among 20 Acts that have received royal assent from His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, the King of Malaysia. Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul said other Acts include the Constitution (Amendment) Act 2025, Sabah Labour Ordinance (Amendment) Act 2025, Sarawak Labour Ordinance (Amendment) Act 2025, Labuan Companies (Amendment) Act 2025, and Labuan Trusts (Amendment) Act 2025. Also granted royal assent were the Labuan Limited Partnerships and Limited Liability Partnerships (Amendment) Act 2025, Legal Profession (Amendment) Act 2025, Online Safety Act 2025, and Commercial Vehicles Licensing Board (Amendment) Act 2025. 'The Agong has also assented to the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities (Amendment) Act 2025, Tunku Abdul Rahman Foundation Fund (Amendment) Act 2025, Supplementary Supply (2024) Act 2025, and Constitution (Amendment 2) Act 2025. 'Also approved were the Fire Services (Amendment) Act 2025, Government Services Efficiency Commitment Act 2025, and Employees Provident Fund (Amendment) Act 2025,' he said during the Dewan Rakyat sitting today. Separately, in his proclamation at the start of the Second Meeting today, Johari announced that the sitting will run for 24 days, with a key focus on the tabling of the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP). As such, he said this parliamentary sitting is expected to extend into the night to allow Members of Parliament ample time to debate and discuss the core elements of the 13MP. 'Key matters to be debated and considered during this session include Bills, motions related to the 13MP, the Auditor-General's Report 2/2025, and the Annual Report and Financial Statements of the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM),' he said. He also thanked all MPs who supported the enactment of the Parliamentary Services Act following its royal assent.
Focus Malaysia
03-07-2025
- Business
- Focus Malaysia
Starting August 2025, apprentices must be paid minimum wage
THE National Wages Consultative Council (Amendment) Act 2025 ('Act') will come into effect on August 1, 2025. But what does this mean for employers? Starting August 1, employers hiring apprentices will be legally required to pay them at least the national minimum wage, which is currently set at RM1,700 per month. This marks a significant policy shift in how apprenticeship is viewed and it also reflects a broader commitment to improving wage standards in Malaysia. Companies need to review apprenticeship contracts and prepare for compliance by August 2025 to ensure they meet the new legal requirements and avoid potential penalties. Why is this happening? Up until now, apprentices have not been legally recognised as employees under the Act, meaning they could be paid less or even nothing at all, despite working full-time and contributing to a business. That is about to change. The Act expands the definition of 'contract of service' to include apprenticeship and resulting from this, the provisions relating to the minimum wage will also be applicable to an apprentice. A 'contract of service' is currently defined as 'any agreement, whether oral or in writing, and whether express or implied, whereby one person agrees to employ another person as an employee and that other person agrees to serve his employer as an employee but does not include an apprenticeship contract'. Pursuant to the amendment, the definition of 'contract of service' will now follow the definition in the Employment Act 1955 ('EA 1955'), Sabah Labour Ordinance and Sarawak Labour Ordinance, meaning: 'Any agreement, whether oral or in writing and whether express or implied, whereby one person agrees to employ another as an employee and that other agrees to serve his employer as an employee and includes an apprenticeship contract'. What is an apprenticeship? Under EA 1955, 'apprenticeship contract' means: A written contract entered into by a person with an employer who undertakes to employ the person and train or have him trained systematically for a trade for a specified period which shall be for a minimum period of six months and a maximum period of 24 months in the course of which the apprentice is bound to work in the employer's service. Apprenticeship is not internship When tabling the National Wage Consultation Council (Amendment) Bill 2024 for the second reading last year, Deputy Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Mohamad states that an apprenticeship programme is education and training governed by an apprenticeship agreement, allowing apprentices to gain the necessary competence to work in a job through structured training and financial remuneration or compensation. It differs from a traineeship programme, which involves on-the-job learning that allows trainees to gain work experience and competencies to enhance their employability. An internship programme involves students being exposed to real job environments and receiving short-term training to meet certain educational/learning qualifications. He explained that, from a legal standpoint, only apprenticeship programmes are governed by specific laws and regulations. In contrast, other internal training programmes, such as traineeships or industrial training, are not bound by any formal legal framework. Their implementation is left entirely to the discretion of the employer without oversight or mandatory guideline. ‒ July 3, 2025 Leonard Yeoh is a senior partner and Pua Jun Wen a senior associate with the law firm, Tay & Partners. The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia. Main image:
Malay Mail
03-07-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
Starting August 2025: Apprentices must be paid minimum wage — Leonard Yeoh and Pua Jun Wen
JULY 3 — The National Wages Consultative Council (Amendment) Act 2025 ('Act') will come into effect on August 1, 2025. What does this mean for employers? Starting August 1, 2025, employers hiring apprentices will be legally required to pay them at least the national minimum wage, which is currently set at RM1,700 per month. This marks a significant policy shift in how apprenticeship is viewed and reflects a broader commitment to improving wage standards in Malaysia. Companies need to review apprenticeship contracts and prepare for compliance by August 2025 to ensure they meet the new legal requirements and avoid potential penalties. Why is this happening? Up until now, apprentices have not been legally recognised as employees under the Act, meaning they could be paid less or even nothing at all, despite working full-time and contributing to a business. That is about to change. The Act expands the definition of 'contract of service' to include apprenticeship and, as a result, the provisions relating to the minimum wage will also be applicable to an apprentice. A 'contract of service' is currently defined as 'any agreement, whether oral or in writing, and whether express or implied, whereby one person agrees to employ another person as an employee and that other person agrees to serve his employer as an employee but does not include an apprenticeship contract'. Pursuant to the amendment, the definition of 'contract of service' will now follow the definition in the Employment Act 1955 ('EA 1955'), Sabah Labour Ordinance and Sarawak Labour Ordinance, meaning – 'Any agreement, whether oral or in writing and whether express or implied, whereby one person agrees to employ another as an employee and that other agrees to serve his employer as an employee and includes an apprenticeship contract'. Apprenticeship programme is an education and training governed by an apprenticeship agreement. — Picture by Miera Zulyana What is an apprenticeship? Under the EA 1955, 'apprenticeship contract' means – A written contract entered into by a person with an employer who undertakes to employ the person and train or have him trained systematically for a trade for a specified period which shall be for a minimum period of six months and a maximum period of twenty-four months in the course of which the apprentice is bound to work in the employer's service. Apprenticeship is not internship When tabling the National Wage Consultation Council (Amendment) Bill 2024 for the second reading last year, Deputy Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman stated that an apprenticeship programme is education and training governed by an apprenticeship agreement, allowing apprentices to gain the necessary competence to work in a job through structured training and financial remuneration or compensation. It differs from a traineeship programme, which involves on-the-job learning that allows trainees to gain work experience and competencies to enhance their employability. An internship programme involves students being exposed to real job environments and receiving short-term training to meet certain educational or learning qualifications. He explained that, from a legal standpoint, only apprenticeship programmes are governed by specific laws and regulations. In contrast, other internal training programmes, such as traineeships or industrial training, are not bound by any formal legal framework. Their implementation is left entirely to the discretion of the employer without oversight or mandatory guidelines. * Leonard Yeoh is a senior partner and Pua Jun Wen a senior associate with the law firm, Tay & Partners. ** This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of Malay Mail.
Daily Express
14-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Over 2.1 million Sabah workers benefit
Published on: Thursday, May 15, 2025 Published on: Thu, May 15, 2025 By: Sisca Humphrey Text Size: Rosli (second left) officiates the launch of the eNores system. Kota Kinabalu: Over 2.1 million workers in Sabah now benefit from broader legal protection under the newly enforced Labour Ordinance of Sabah (Amendment) Act 2025. The amendment, officiated at the Tripartite Labour Convention by State Federal Secretary Datuk Seri Rosli Isa, marks the first significant update to the Ordinance in more than 20 years. The Ordinance, effective May 1, 2025, aims to streamline regulatory processes and clarify the rights and obligations of both employers and employees, ensuring greater protection for all workers, including previously unregistered or undocumented workers. 'This change will improve working conditions and safeguard vulnerable workers in remote areas, strengthening legal protections for all,' said Rosli. He said significant updates include longer maternity leave (98 days), new seven-day paternity leave and reduced weekly hours (45), aligning Sabah with national standards and promoting work-life balance. 'These changes reflect our Government's commitment to equal opportunities and family well-being,' he said. He noted that one key issue the amended Ordinance tackles is the high number of undocumented foreign workers. 'Sabah, with a population of 3.8 million, is estimated to host 1.8 million foreign workers, yet only 2.1 million are officially registered, highlighting a large group still without legal protection. 'We estimate that Sabah hosts 1.8 million foreign workers, but only 2.1 million workers are registered. 'This challenge in labour governance is something the Ordinance aims to address through clearer registration frameworks,' he said. Alongside this, Rosli said, the Government remains committed to protecting vulnerable groups, particularly in rural areas, from forced labour and human trafficking. 'An anti-trafficking and forced labour outreach programme recently took place in Merotai Besar, Tawau, involving the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and the Immigration Department. 'These efforts are crucial to ensuring that all workers, including those in remote communities, are not left vulnerable to exploitation. 'The revised Ordinance not only aims to bring undocumented workers into the legal system but also ensures that vulnerable workers are safeguarded from trafficking and forced labour,' he added. Sabah Labour Department (JTK) Director Wan Zulkfli Wan Setapa said the revised Ordinance ensures shared responsibility between employers and the JTK. 'This ensures that all workers, including those previously unregistered, are brought into the legal system. 'It's a critical step in preventing exploitation and guaranteeing they receive the protections afforded by labour laws,' he said. Rosli also emphasised the Government's commitment to enforcing Malaysia's minimum wage policies, ranging from RM1,500 to RM1,700 depending on the sector. 'These policies ensure fair pay for both local and foreign workers and protect them from exploitation,' he said, addressing concerns that lower wages might encourage the hiring of undocumented workers. A significant part of the event was the launch of the Labour Education Convoy Series, which will travel across the State from capital city to Sandakan, Tawau and other districts, eventually concluding in Tenom. Wan Zulkfli said this seven-day journey aims to raise awareness about the amended Labour Ordinance, focusing on tripartite stakeholders, including the Government, employer groups and workers' unions. 'This convoy represents a significant step in educating and engaging employers, workers and stakeholders to ensure they understand their rights and obligations under the new ordinance,' he said. Under the leadership of JTK Sabah Director, the initiative will focus on educating employers, especially smaller plantation owners and smallholders, about the Ordinance's requirements and helping them navigate the regulatory changes. 'These amendments bring Sabah's labour laws in line with national and international standards, including those under the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and the International Labour Organization (ILO). He affirmed that this alignment is expected to attract responsible investors and generate high-quality job opportunities for the people of the State. 'The amendment is more than just a legal update. It is about fairness, respect and building a better future for workers in Sabah,' he said while launching the convention, marking a new chapter for workers' rights in East Malaysia. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
