HR Minister Joins Labour Day Rally, Promises to Amend Seven Employment Laws

It may have been symbolic, but a special appearance by Human Resource Minister M. Kulasegaran alongside the Malaysian Trade Union Congress (MTUC) in its Labour Day celebration in Subang Jaya, Selangor on 1 May 2019 likely reinforced the honour of the country’s working class.

It was the first time in decades that a member of the Cabinet participated in the unions’ rally.

Footage of the march outside Wisma MTUC was uploaded on the Kula Segaran's Facebook page, showing the HR minister at the head of the pack with “hidup pekerja” chants blaring from loudspeakers on a truck.

In his opening speech, Kulasegaran promised to the workforce how he and his ministry are going to alter seven Acts concerning the workforce, particularly fighting for the end of workplace discrimination and sexual harassment. 

“There will be no tolerance of any sort of prejudice against women in the workplace, we are ensuring of that through our labour law amendments.

“Sexual harassment will be specifically addressed in these amendments,” he said.

Kulasegaran also pledged more effort from his ministry to put women back in high numbers into the workforce, while also advising employers to pay special attention and be inclusive towards the disabled community and those above the age of 60.

The minister also highlighted during his speech on the concern of underemployment among youth, saying a realignment of skills should be on the cards, while urging on the importance of occupational safety.

“We must accept that the youth are currently suffering from underemployment, this needs to be addressed and resolved through re-skilling them based on industry demand,” Kula Segaran said.

“Through these revisions, we hope to also update the Occupational Safety and Health Act to ensure efficient enforcement to decrease the number of workplace fatalities and injuries. No worker should be subjected to high risk when they are at their workplace,” he added.

Kulasegaran also told those present at the rally today to increase overall productivity, and up-skill and re-skill themselves to stay relevant with the automation and digitisation of industries.

“Malaysians must be ready for the digital future; we will ensure you are fully equipped. We will ensure there are enough grants and funding to assist the re-skilling and up-skilling process, which is the government’s commitment to lifelong learning,” he pledged.

 

Source: Malay Mail

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