What key labour laws will be updated by the Human Resources Ministry?

Question

Accepted Answer

Key Labour Laws Slated for Update by Human Resources Ministry

The Human Resources Ministry is preparing to update nine pieces of legislation that impact workers, with proposed amendments to key acts such as the Employment Act, Child Labour Act, and the Perkeso Act. These revisions are being initiated because existing legislation is considered outdated and no longer aligns with contemporary circumstances.
Proposed Revisions to Employment Legislation

A significant legislative overhaul is underway, with the Human Resources Ministry identifying nine worker-related laws for amendment. Among the most prominent acts targeted for revision are the Employment Act, which governs the fundamental rights and responsibilities of employers and employees, and the Child Labour Act, aimed at protecting minors from exploitative work. The Perkeso Act, related to social security, is also slated for updates.
Rationale for Legislative Amendments

The ministry's decision to amend these laws stems from their perceived obsolescence. According to the minister, the previous iterations of these acts are no longer relevant to the current socio-economic landscape and the evolving nature of work. This proactive approach aims to ensure that Malaysian labour laws remain effective and protective in the modern era.
Focus on Child Labour Protection

The proposed amendments also underscore a commitment to child labour prevention, aligning with Malaysia's obligations as a signatory to the Convention on the Rights of the Child. The ministry highlighted that child labour instances in Malaysia are predominantly found in the plantation and agricultural sectors, often proving difficult to detect due to enforcement challenges. Statistics indicate a low number of reported cases, with one case brought to court in 2016 and two in 2017.

Reading history

Hide →

This history is cleared when the page is closed.

What key labour laws will be updated by the Human Resources Ministry?

Loading

Was this article helpful?

Helpful

Not helpful

Report an issue

1

0

0

Share with friends