KOTA KINABALU: The State Government fully supports the amendment of the Sabah Labour Ordinance (OBS) to ensure that the people and industrial community in Sabah can enjoy better and equal economic benefits and opportunities like other states in Malaysia.
Sabah Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor, said the Employment Ordinance Sabah (OBS) has been enforced since 1950, with the first amendment made in 2005 after a 40-year period.
He stressed the importance of reviewing and enhancing the law, particularly concerning worker welfare and employer business needs.
Hajiji expressed confidence that modern and relevant laws will attract more foreign investments to Sabah.
This amendment is timely as the state government requires labour legislation suitable for the current labour landscape.
Hajiji made these remarks during the 2024 State-Level Workers’ Day celebration at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC).
Hajiji emphasised the necessity for laws that protect worker welfare, support business operations, and align with the demands of the current industrial revolution driven by automation technologies like the “Internet of Things,” “Big Data,” “Artificial Intelligence,” and “Cloud Computing.”
He noted the emergence of new job types, such as gig workers, requiring legislation to accommodate industry changes.
The proposed amendments aim to provide comprehensive, fair, and just benefits to all workers and employers, bringing Sabah’s legislation in line with that of Peninsular Malaysia, he added.
