KOTA KINABALU: Trade unions play an important role as strategic partners in the government’s policy formulation and development of a sustainable work environment, says Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
“Within a new and more inclusive development framework, the voice of unions must be heard and given serious attention,” he said at the Sabah-level Trade Union Day event here on Monday (Aug 4).
“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.”
Human Resources Minister Steven Sim also attended the event.
The Chief Minister said the state government is committed to empowering the workforce, supporting the trade union movement, and ensuring their members’ welfare is protected.
“I hope this assembly will serve as a platform to strengthen the spirit of unionism and working together to build a brighter future for Sabah,” he said.
Hajiji said the Hala Tuju Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) development agenda places a key focus on several critical priorities, including strengthening strategic cooperation with the Human Resources Ministry.
“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, whether in rural or urban areas, is given a fair opportunity to contribute to and benefit from the state’s development,” he added.
Hajiji said the state recorded a labour force of over 1.7 million last year, and the collective contribution of this workforce has driven Sabah’s gross domestic product (GDP) to increase to RM84.3bil.
“This… (is) 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.
“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.
