KUCHING: Sarawak's true strength in facing economic challenges and the changing landscape of modern employment lies in high-quality, highly skilled, and resilient human capital.

Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier's Department (Labour, Immigration and Project Monitoring) Datuk Gerawat Gala said the Sarawak Government remains committed to empowering the local workforce through three main pillars focusing on human capital development and upskilling.

According to him, these three pillars involve expanding job opportunities based on high skills, empowering the local workforce upskilling agenda, and ensuring the participation of Sarawakians in strategic sectors through initiatives such as the Workforce Localisation Committee.

“Our goal is clear: the children of Sarawak should not just be a workforce, but must rise as industry leaders, opportunity creators, and future leaders,” he said.

He said this while speaking at the Sarawak State Level Labour Day 2026 Celebration, which was officiated by Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) here on Sunday.

He added that this year’s celebration theme, ‘Pekerja Cemerlang, Sarawak Maju Makmur', carries the message that excellent workers are not judged solely on achieving Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), but must also possess integrity, the courage to innovate, and the ability to adapt in the era of digitalisation and automation.

In the meantime, Datuk Gerawat said Sarawak has also made history through the amendment of the Sarawak Labour Ordinance, reflecting the government's commitment to creating a fairer, more progressive, and humane employment ecosystem.

According to him, the improvements implemented include the extension of maternity leave from 60 days to 98 days, the introduction of seven days of paternity leave, the reduction of weekly working hours from 48 hours to 45 hours, and the implementation of flexible working arrangements.

Furthermore, he stated that the government has also strengthened worker accommodation standards and introduced stricter anti-discrimination provisions to safeguard the welfare of the workforce.

“This is not merely a policy change, but a manifestation of the government's commitment to safeguarding the welfare, dignity, and wellbeing of workers for sustainable productivity,” he explained. — UKASnews

Prepared By: Ahmad Daniel Faiz
Photos: Ibanez Jeffery
Translator: Ryan Lim