PENAMPANG: The State Government welcomed trade unions as its strategic partner, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor.
“Within this new and more inclusive development framework, the voice of unions must be heard and given serious attention.
This applies not only to issues of wages and benefits, but also in policy formulation, economic planning, education, technology adaptation, and the creation of a sustainable future work environment.
“I believe Sabah has the potential to become a model state in Malaysia in developing an employment ecosystem that not only drives a strong economy but also consistently upholds workers’ rights,” he said at the state-level Trade Union Day held at the International Technology and Commercial Centre (ITCC) here today.
The Chief Minister said the State Government is committed to empowering the workforce, supporting the trade union movement, and ensuring their welfare is protected.
“I hope this assembly will serve as a platform for us to strengthen the spirit of unionism and working together to build a brighter future for Sabah,” he said.
Hajiji said under the Hala Tuju Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) development agenda, the State Government is placing key focus on several critical priorities, including strengthening strategic cooperation with the Ministry of Human Resources (KESUMA).
“This is crucial to expanding social protection and security coverage to all workers, including those in the often-overlooked informal sector.”We want to ensure that every Sabahan, whethe
r in rural or urban areas, is given a fair opportunity to contribute to and benefit from the state’s development,” he said.
“I view this assembly not as an ordinary assembly, but as the first of its kind where we come together on a large scale in Sabah, marking a new era for the trade union movement in the state.
“It is the starting point of a more structured, inclusive movement rooted in the spirit of Sabah Maju Jaya,” he said.
According to him, the state recorded a labour force of over 1.7 million people last year, and the collective contribution of this workforce has driven Sabah’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to increase to RM84.3 billion.
“This has contributed to the rise in GDP, particularly in critical sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, construction, mining and quarrying, as well as services.
“In terms of the latest trade union data in Sabah, as of today, there are 92 registered trade unions in the state, regulated by the Sabah Trade Union Affairs Department, comprising 23 unions in the government sector, 52 in the private sector, and 16 in statutory bodies.
“This involves a total membership of 60,764 workers, with 22,317 members from the government sector, 35,194 from the private sector, and 3,253 from statutory bodies,” he said.
In line with the era of globalisation and rapid technological advancement, Hajiji called on trade unions in the state to be more proactive in safeguarding the welfare of their members through initiatives and programs offered at both the federal and state levels.
“This is where the role of trade unions becomes critically important as the main pillar in upholding social justice and ensuring that every worker receives their rightful entitlements, not only fair wages, but also opportunities for skills development, workplace safety and health, strong social protection, and a supportive and conducive working environment,” he said.
He also advised union leaders in Sabah who will be participating in the National-Level Trade Union Assembly in Penang on September 6 to use the opportunity to bring the voices of Sabah’s workers to the national stage.-pr/BNN
