Trade Unions Welcome Enhanced Gov't Funding For Leadership Training And Development
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 22 (Bernama) -- The increase in allocation for the Trade Union Affairs Programme (PHEKS) to RM10 million this year underscores the government’s commitment to strengthening trade unions in the country, say union leaders.
Union of Pos Malaysia Berhad Uniformed Staff Peninsular Malaysia (UPUS) president Ismail Ali described the allocation as the highest to date and said it would help produce quality leaders for the future.
“PHEKS, managed by the Department of Trade Union Affairs (JHEKS) under the Ministry of Human Resources (KESUMA), provides an essential platform for trade unions to enhance leadership skills and knowledge through training programmes, education, trade union movement studies, and the procurement of information technology equipment.
“UPUS welcomes KESUMA’s initiative to increase the allocation for Training and Education Programmes from RM20,000 to RM30,000. This step is crucial for trade unions to produce future leaders who are knowledgeable and highly skilled, further strengthening the position and voice of workers in the industry,” he said in a statement.
Secretary-General of the National Union of the Teaching Profession (NUTP), Fouzi Singon, said the union planned to utilise the KESUMA allocation to improve leadership training and conduct recruitment briefings to help JHEKS achieve its Key Performance Indicator (KPI) of 1 million union members.
“NUTP will focus on conducting studies related to youth participation in trade unions and other areas relevant to union development,” he said.
On Monday, Human Resources Minister Steven Sim announced the RM10 million allocation for PHEKS to empower trade unions through skill enhancement training and the adoption of technology.
Meanwhile, the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM) praised KESUMA for allocating RM9 million to the Occupational Safety and Health Coordinator (OSH-C) Training Programme.
Its president, Tan Sri Soh Thian Lai, said this initiative which aimed to equip 10,000 workers from small and medium enterprises (SMEs) nationwide, demonstrated the government’s strong commitment to improving workplace safety and health, particularly for resource-constrained SMEs.
“By bridging this gap, the free OSH-C Training Programme will empower SMEs to better safeguard their workforce and foster a culture of safety and prevention.
“A well-implemented OSH system not only reflects a company’s commitment to employee welfare but also aligns with global standards and stakeholder expectations. The training programme will help SMEs strengthen their Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) credentials, enhance their reputation, and improve access to markets prioritising ethical and sustainable practices,” he said in a statement.
Yesterday, Sim said that his ministry would provide free accreditation training for 10,000 OSH coordinators in the SME sector through the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), involving an allocation of approximately RM9 million.
Meanwhile, the president of the Malayan Agricultural Producers Association (MAPA), Loh Hang Pai, expressed gratitude for the allocation announced by the government, highlighting it as a reflection of the administration's concern for employers and workers in addressing workplace accidents and disasters.
"According to the saying ‘better late than never,’ it is timely for all employers to seize the opportunity and participate in this positive programme to train their workers in occupational safety and health (OSH) for both short- and long-term benefits.
"This is crucial in reducing the risk of workplace accidents and injuries, thereby preventing the loss of productivity and work hours," Loh added in a statement from the single largest employers' trade union representing plantation companies.
-- BERNAMA
