Latest news with #ZaidiNasar
Borneo Post
08-06-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
MTUC Sarawak urges Petronas to prioritise worker welfare during retrenchment
Zaidi Nasar KUCHING (June 8): The Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC) Sarawak has urged Petroliam Nasional Berhad (Petronas) to prioritise workers' well-being and conduct the retrenchment process responsibly. In a statement today, Its chairman Zaidi Nasar emphasised that workers are vital assets to the country's economy and their well-being must be given priority. He suggested that Petronas and the government offer new skills training to help workers transition into other industries such as green energy, digital technology and entrepreneurship. Zaidi also proposed temporary financial assistance through social protection schemes such as Social Security Organisation (Perkeso) to help workers during this transition. 'Petronas can collaborate with other companies in the energy industry to assist in the relocation of workers through job matching and specialised training,' he said. Recognising the stress retrenchment can cause, he added, 'Psychological support and counseling should be provided through government or employer programmes.' This statement was issued in response to Petronas' decision to retrench about 5,000 workers, mostly those on contract, as part of its restructuring measures. Zaidi highlighted that retrenched workers face uncertainty in securing new employment, especially in an increasingly competitive industry. He stressed that Petronas and the government must ensure that affected workers receive compensation in accordance with the Employment Act 1955 or Collective Agreement, including notice pay, termination benefits, payment of annual leave balance and balance of wages, if any. Employers, he noted, are required to provide adequate notice of termination as stipulatedin the service contract or the Employment Act 1955. Furthermore, he said that trade unions must be involved in negotiations to ensure that workers receive appropriate protection and assistance. 'The government must provide various initiatives such as retraining programmes and financial assistance to workers affected by retrenchment,' he added. Zaidi said MTUC Sarawak will continue to work toward ensuring that workers' rights are protected and finding the best way to address retrenchment issues. lead Malaysian Trades Union Congress Petronas retrenchment Zaidi Nasar
Borneo Post
22-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Know your rights under amended labour law, MTUC Sarawak tells workers
Zaidi says that the changes are a clear indication of Sarawak's recognition of the vital role workers play in driving economic growth. KUCHING (May 23): The Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC) Sarawak has called on all workers in the state to proactively understand and assert their rights under the newly amended Sarawak Labour Ordinance, which came into effect on May 1. MTUC Sarawak chairman Zaidi Nasar stated that the changes are a clear indication of Sarawak's recognition of the vital role workers play in driving economic growth. 'As a state that continues to rapidly develop since achieving independence, Sarawak has a responsibility to ensure social justice and workers' well-being are safeguarded. 'Empowering the workforce is a key factor in building a sustainable economy, and compliance with the Sarawak Labour Ordinance is the foundation for a fairer and safer work environment,' he said in a statement. Among the key updates in the ordinance are the expansion of protection to all workers regardless of wage level or sector, the extension of maternity leave from 60 to 98 days, and the introduction of a seven-day paternity leave provision. Working hours have also been reduced from 48 to 45 hours per week to improve work-life balance. Additionally, sick leave and hospitalisation leave have now been separated, with 14 days of sick leave and 60 days of hospitalisation leave, totalling 74 days – an increase from the previous 60-day combined provision. Other progressive measures include stronger provisions against discrimination, forced labour and sexual harassment as well as improved regulations for flexible work arrangements and workers' rights to safe accommodation. The ordinance also mandates six compulsory public holidays, including National Day, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong's Birthday, the Birthday of the Rulers or Yang di-Pertua Negeri, Labour Day, Malaysia Day, and one other state-designated public holiday. In view of this, Zaidi stressed the importance of close cooperation among workers, employers and authorities to ensure the smooth implementation of the ordinance and that Sarawak's workforce fully benefits from the change. As such, he said several positive steps can be taken such as increasing awareness through briefings and workshops; advocating for workers facing injustice; fostering open dialogue between employees and employers; ensuring robust enforcement and monitoring; and engaging the wider community and unions to uphold labour rights. 'MTUC is committed to ensuring that every worker in Sarawak receives proper protection and enjoys a fair and safe working environment. 'The future of Sarawak depends on a healthy and secure workforce, and compliance with the Labour Ordinance is the foundation for shared success.' labour law lead MTUC workers' rights Zaidi Nasar
Malay Mail
02-05-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
After more than 20 years, Sarawak labour law finally updated, aligning rights with peninsular Malaysia
KUCHING, May 2 — Employees in Sarawak finally have access to the benefits their counterparts in Peninsular Malaysia are enjoying as the amended Sarawak Labour Ordinance (SLO) came into effect yesterday. Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC) Sarawak Division chairman Zaidi Nasar said Sarawakian workers had waited for such labour reforms for over 20 years. Among the key changes now in force are a seven-day paternity leave for male employees, and an extension of maternity leave from 60 to 98 days, aligning with national standards and offering stronger support for working families. 'The maximum weekly working hours has been reduced from 48 to 45 hours to ensure the better wellbeing and productivity of employees. In addition, contract workers now enjoy stronger protections including fairer contract periods and access to employment benefits equivalent to permanent employees,' he said in a statement issued today. Zaidi said overtime pay had been adjusted to be comparable to workers in Peninsular Malaysia while there will be increased protection for workers' rights relating to workplace safety, including stricter regulations for employers to provide a safe and risk-free work environment. He said workers are now given the opportunity to apply for Flexible Working Arrangements, which allow them to adjust their working hours, work locations and work methods to improve their work-life balance. He added that employers must consider these applications fairly in line with the interests of the company's operations and the wellbeing of their employees. 'The SLO is now extended to all workers regardless of salary limit or type of employment. This ensures that all workers in Sarawak are fully protected under labour laws, providing fairness and wellbeing to every worker including professionals and executives,' he said. Zaidi pointed out that enforcement mechanisms are also strengthened to ensure that employers comply with labour regulations, with stricter action against non-compliance. According to him, this success is a testament to the joint efforts of the leadership and trade unions in championing the rights of Sarawakian workers. 'With this amendment, the Sarawakian workforce sector is now able to enjoy benefits on a par with their counterparts in Peninsular Malaysia. Well done to the leadership that truly listens and acts in the interests of Sarawakian workers,' he said. — The Borneo Post
Borneo Post
02-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Amended Sarawak Labour Ordinance comes into force, bringing long-awaited reforms
Zaidi Nasar KUCHING (May 2): Employees in Sarawak finally have access to the benefits their counterparts in Peninsular Malaysia are enjoying as the amended Sarawak Labour Ordinance (SLO) came into effect yesterday. Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC) Sarawak Division chairman Zaidi Nasar said Sarawakian workers had waited for such labour reforms for over 20 years. Among the key changes now in force are a seven-day paternity leave for male employees, and an extension of maternity leave from 60 to 98 days, aligning with national standards and offering stronger support for working families. 'The maximum weekly working hours has been reduced from 48 to 45 hours to ensure the better wellbeing and productivity of employees. In addition, contract workers now enjoy stronger protections including fairer contract periods and access to employment benefits equivalent to permanent employees,' he said in a statement issued today. Zaidi said overtime pay had been adjusted to be comparable to workers in Peninsular Malaysia while there will be increased protection for workers' rights relating to workplace safety, including stricter regulations for employers to provide a safe and risk-free work environment. He said workers are now given the opportunity to apply for Flexible Working Arrangements, which allow them to adjust their working hours, work locations and work methods to improve their work-life balance. He added that employers must consider these applications fairly in line with the interests of the company's operations and the wellbeing of their employees. 'The SLO is now extended to all workers regardless of salary limit or type of employment. This ensures that all workers in Sarawak are fully protected under labour laws, providing fairness and wellbeing to every worker including professionals and executives,' he said. Zaidi pointed out that enforcement mechanisms are also strengthened to ensure that employers comply with labour regulations, with stricter action against non-compliance. According to him, this success is a testament to the joint efforts of the leadership and trade unions in championing the rights of Sarawakian workers. 'With this amendment, the Sarawakian workforce sector is now able to enjoy benefits on a par with their counterparts in Peninsular Malaysia. Well done to the leadership that truly listens and acts in the interests of Sarawakian workers,' he said. employees lead Sarawak Labour Ordinance Zaidi Nasar
