Dr. Rabaayah Daud delivering her welcome speech at the event.

IPOH, 30 May 2023 - The state government is targeting 25 percent of private sector workers to set up trade unions within five years to guarantee workers' rights.

State Human Resources, Health, Indian Community Affairs and National Integration Committee chairman A. Sivanesan said it is the right of every worker to work in a safe and healthy environment in line with international conventions to protect workers’ rights.

He added that the state government is ready to help workers who do not get support from employers to form trade unions.

"My office will always provide assistance if workers need recognition or legal assistance if there were employers who challenged them in court.

"I hope employers in the state will cooperate and allow their workers to form unions. The setting up of such trade unions is good for both sides," he told reporters after officiating the Perak State Level World Day for Safety and Health at Work 2023 at the Perak State Secretariat Multipurpose Hall.

The celebration was a collaboration between the Perak State Government, Perak Occupational Safety and Health Department and National Council for Occupational Safety and Health.

There was also a sharing session with the Social Security Organisation (PERKESO) on the experiences of accident victims at work and the benefits they received, as well as a briefing by a psychiatrist from Hospital Bahagia Ulu Kinta on how to recognise signs of mental health and stress at work and how to deal with them.

The participants were also given exposure by the Perak Malaysia Fire and Rescue Department on procedures and methods for dealing with emergency situations caused by stress at work.

Also present were Human Resource Management Division Principal Assistant Secretary Suriati Shahar, Perak Occupational Safety and Health Department Director Dr. Rabaayah Daud and PERKESO Director Zainal Ismail.

Source : Corporate, SUK Perak.