THE Sarawak government will change the state's outdated labour laws to bring them in line with federal legislation.
Deputy Sarawak Labour, Immigration, and Project Minister Datuk Gerawat Gala said that the state has submitted a proposal to the Human Resources Ministry to to amend the Sarawak Labour Ordinance.
"The proposal, once approved by the federal minister, will be brought to parliament. We hope to do this by June or July this year," Gala said in a statement today.
Among the changes that would benefit the state's workers is seven days of paternity leave.
Other proposed benefits include longer maternity leave for women from 60 to 98 days, and reducing working hours from 48 hours to 45 hours.
Gala said that the Sarawak Attorney-General's Office has been informed of the proposed changes.
The state government has faced criticism for not revising its labour laws. Unions have been advocating for years to change the labour laws in the state to align with federal legislation.
Sarawak has a population of about three million. – May 2, 2024.
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