As reported by Sabah newspaper, this initiative involves consolidating various labor laws that presently differ by sector, with the goal of establishing a unified and comprehensive regulation for employment practices across the board.
Originally set forth in the Labor Law of 1936, the standard workday was established at 8 hours, with a weekly total of 48 hours. However, a revision in 2003 reduced the standard workweek to 45 hours. Despite this adjustment, variations persist across different sectors, with the media and maritime industries still adhering to the 48-hour workweek while others follow the 45-hour standard. Furthermore, employees are permitted to engage in overtime work for up to 270 hours annually.
The government aims to streamline regulations for all professions, instituting a standard working week of 35-40 hours while also introducing new guidelines for overtime. These proposed changes are designed to align with advancements in technology, which have facilitated increased efficiency in work processes, thereby enabling a reduction in operating hours. Additionally, revisions are planned for certain legal provisions concerning the rights of employees, bonus structures, overtime rates, and social benefits. Importantly, these adjustments are intended to prioritize the welfare of workers.
