KUCHING: Labour Day is not just a celebration of workers' contributions but an opportunity to review labour policies and practices, says Tun Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar.
The Sarawak Yang di-Pertua Negeri said this was in line with the Sarawak government's commitment to strengthen social protection, expand skills training and provide fair and inclusive jobs for all levels of society.
"The government is also making efforts to ensure that local workers are competitive, innovative and ready to take up new fields that form the core of the state's future development," he said in his Labour Day message on Wednesday (April 30).
Wan Junaidi said Sarawak's workforce occupied various sectors including oil and gas, agriculture, tourism and digital economy.
He said every worker, whether in urban or rural areas, played an important role in realising the state's development agenda.
"They are the backbone ensuring the continuity of progress for the wellbeing of the people," he said.
Wan Junaidi also said the success and prosperity of the nation depended on the strength and dedication of its workforce.
As such, he called on the government, employers, workers and society to work together to ensure a safe, healthy, fair and conducive work environment.
"There is no room for any form of exploitation or discrimination, whereas a harmonious work environment will enhance productivity and mutual wellbeing," he said.
Wishing all workers a happy Labour Day, Wan Junaidi also hoped that the celebration would strengthen Sarawakians' commitment towards making the state a safe, fair and conducive place to work.
"Let us all work together to achieve Sarawak's vision of becoming an advanced and prosperous state by 2030," he said.