“I am confident that the amendments will provide clear guidelines for both employers and employees, thereby enhancing industrial relations,” he said in a statement today.

Hajiji said the state government fully supports the amendments as one of the 16 proposed changes addresses human and labour rights’ issues, as well as the elimination of discrimination.

“This includes provisions for offences and penalties for employers or any party involved in human trafficking, forced labour, and child labour,” he said, adding that this aligns with Malaysia’s commitment to ratifying the International Labour Organization Protocol 29.

The SLO, last amended in 2005, was tabled for its first reading by human resources minister Steven Sim on July 17, to ensure compliance with the Labour Act 1955.

The amendments propose extending coverage to all workers, regardless of salary or employment type, and increasing maternity leave from 60 to 98 days.

In the statement, Hajiji also said the state government is serious and committed to combating human trafficking and forced labour through effective cooperation with all relevant agencies and stakeholders.

Noting that workers are vital assets in a country’s economic development, Hajiji called on all employees to adopt good industry practices and enhance labour standards as outlined in national policies.

“This is crucial for supporting the state government’s various development agendas under the Sabah Maju Jaya framework, which not only requires competitive workers but also compliance with national legislation.”

He also urged around 178,000 employers in Sabah to sign pledges to combat human trafficking and forced labour.