KUALA LUMPUR: The Sabah Labour Ordinance (Amendment) Bill was approved unanimously by the Dewan Rakyat today.
Since 1965, the ordinance was amended once in 2005.
Amendments to the Sabah Labour Ordinance include increasing penalties from RM10,000 to RM50,000; increasing maternity leave from 60 to 98 days; seven days of paternity leave, as well as reducing work hours from 48 hours to 45 hours a week and flexible working arrangement.
Human Resources Minister Steven Sim said the amendment was a testament to the government's commitment to ensuring the rights and welfare of workers in Peninsular Malaysia and that the 2.06 million workers in Sabah are equal.
"In addition to raising the dignity of workers in line with international labour standards.
"The implementation of the amendment is an essential element. We will pay special attention to uplifting the dignity and honour of workers in Sabah," he said.
Sim added over 14 engagement sessions not only between Sabah and the federal government but also with representatives of workers and labour unions, as previously raised during the MA63 (Malaysia Agreement 1963) meetings.