Key labour laws updated for Sabah and Sarawak in effect

PUTRAJAYA: The Sabah Labour Ordinance (Amendment) Act 2025 and the Sarawak Labour Ordinance (Amendment) Act 2025 are in effect.
However, the Human Resources Ministry says Section IVA, which specifically addresses the minimum standards for workers' housing, accommodations and facilities, is excluded.
'Human Resources Minister Steven Sim ( pic ) has confirmed May 1 as the official date for commencement of the amendments.
'The Sabah and Sarawak Labour Ordinance Amendment Acts were gazetted on April 28.
'These amendments are significant as, for the first time since the formation of Malaysia, labour laws have been successfully standardised across Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak.
'The standardisation includes three key legislations, namely the Employment Act 1955 (Act 265), the Minimum Standards of Housing, Accommodation and Facilities for Workers Act 1990 (Act 446) and the Children and Young Persons (Employment) Act 1966 (Act 350),' the ministry said in a statement.
According to Bernama, it said the amendments to both ordinances aim to fulfil Malaysia's obligations towards the compliance of the country's labour laws with international labour standards.
Key changes in the amendments include an expansion of the ordinances' coverage, which now applies to all workers, extending beyond the previous limit of RM2,500 per month.
Additionally, the amendments introduce several important improvements for workers, including an increase in maternity leave, paternity leave for fathers, and a reduction in the standard workweek.
The amendments also introduce new provisions on flexible work arrangements, complaints on workplace discrimination and forced labour, sexual harassment, and workers' housing.

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