Half Sabah’s population are workers | Daily Express Malaysia

PENAMPANG: Sabah recorded a labour force of over 1.7 million last year – or half the state’s population – and their collective contribution has driven Sabah’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to increase to RM84.3 billion.
“This has contributed to the rise in GDP, particularly in critical sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, construction, mining and quarrying, as well as services,” said Chief Minister Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.

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He said there are 92 registered trade unions in the State, regulated by the Sabah Trade Union Affairs Department, comprising 23 unions in the government sector, 52 in the private sector and 16 in statutory bodies.

“This involves a total membership of 60,764 workers, with 22,317 from the government sector, 35,194 private sector and 3,253 from statutory bodies,” he said, .

In line with globalisation and rapid technological advancement, Hajiji called on trade unions in the State to be more proactive in safeguarding the welfare of their members through initiatives and programs offered at both the Federal and State levels.

“This is where the role of unions becomes critically important as the main pillar in upholding social justice and ensuring that every worker receives their rightful entitlements, not only fair wages, but also opportunities for skills development, workplace safety and health, strong social protection and a supportive and conducive working environment,” he said.

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He advised union leaders in Sabah participating in the National-level Trade Union Assembly in Penang on Sept. 6 to bring the voices of Sabah’s workers to the national stage.

Hajiji said the State Government welcomes trade unions as strategic partners. 

Within this new and more inclusive development framework, the voice of unions must be heard and given serious attention. 

“This applies not only to issues of wages and benefits, but also policy formulation, economic planning, education, technology adaptation and creation of a sustainable future work environment. 

“I believe Sabah has the potential to become a model state in Malaysia in developing an employment ecosystem that not only drives a strong economy but also consistently upholds workers’ rights,” he said 

He said the State Government is committed to empowering the workforce, supporting the trade union movement and ensuring their welfare is protected. 

“I hope this assembly will serve as a platform for us to strengthen the spirit of unionism and working together to build a brighter future for Sabah.” 

Hajiji said under the Hala Tuju Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) development agenda, the State Government is placing key focus on several critical priorities, including strengthening strategic cooperation with the Human Resources Ministry (Kesuma). 

“This is crucial to expanding social protection and security coverage to all workers, including those in the often-overlooked informal sector.

“We want to ensure every Sabahan, whether in rural or urban areas, is given a fair opportunity to contribute to and benefit from the State’s development,” he said.

The Chief Minister viewed the assembly not as ordinary but as the first of its kind where they come together on a large scale in Sabah, marking a new era for the movement in the State. 

“It is the starting point of a more structured, inclusive movement rooted in the spirit of Sabah Maju Jaya.”

Also present were Human Resources Minister Steven Sim and Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Minister Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe.

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