KUALA LUMPUR: The proposed Freedom of Information (FOI) Act and the establishment of a Malaysian Ombudsman will improve transparency, accountability and access to justice for workers, says Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said.
The Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) said the Bills are expected to be tabled at the next parliamentary meeting in June.
She noted that the FOI law will strengthen protection for workers by improving access to information related to labour rights and policies.
She said the Ombudsman will serve as an independent channel for complaints on administrative misconduct while ensuring a stronger voice and protection for workers.
“The government has also implemented various measures that benefit workers, including expanding access to justice through the Legal Aid and Public Defence Act.
“This includes raising the income eligibility threshold for legal aid to RM50,000, as well as strengthening the Second Chance Policy through the fast-track initiative to expedite the discharge of bankruptcy status for vulnerable groups,” she said in a statement yesterday, Bernama reported.
Azalina added that free mediation services for contract disputes involving claims of RM250,000 and below are also provided to enable faster and more cost-effective resolution.
This, she said, will allow such matters to be resolved without the need to go through the courts, ensuring that workers, especially those in lower-income groups, have access to legal redress.
On the Workers’ Day 2026 celebration, themed ‘Pekerja Madani Kesuma Bangsa’, Azalina said it is not merely a day to celebrate workers but a manifestation of the government’s commitment to building a fairer system for the nation’s workforce.
This will ensure that every worker is protected, valued and given equal opportunities in line with the Madani aspirations, she added.
Meanwhile, Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi, in a Facebook post, also conveyed his appreciation and gratitude to workers in the public and private sectors for their contributions in driving the nation’s progress.
He also expressed appreciation for the dedication and commitment of personnel under his ministry and its agencies, particularly those directly involved in national infrastructure development.
“Every road built, every bridge connecting communities and every project completed is the result of your hard work.
“Let us continue to strengthen our unity, enhance productivity and elevate the dignity of the nation’s workforce to greater heights,” he said.
