KUALA LUMPUR – Human Resources Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong reaffirmed his commitment to stand firmly with workers, stressing that the Ministry of Human Resources (Kesuma) serves as the nation’s primary protector of labour rights and welfare.
“From the first day I took office, I made a promise that I would stand on the side of the workers. We have many ministries looking after finance, investment and industries but only one ministry stands for workers. And if this ministry does not defend them, who will?” he said.
Sim delivered the remarks at the Signing Ceremony of the 14th Collective Agreement (CA) between Genting Malaysia Berhad (GENM) and the GENM Workers Union, held at Wisma Genting today.
He emphasised that industrial relations should not be framed as a contest between employer and employee, noting that Genting’s strong performance including over RM3.3 billion in revenue in the third quarter of this year reflects the combined strength of both management and its workforce.
GENM Finalises 14th CA: Higher Minimum Wage, 10% Adjustment, Expanded Benefits
At the ceremony, Genting Malaysia Berhad formalised its 14th Collective Agreement with the workers’ union, signalling continued trust and long-term collaboration between both parties.
Under the new CA, the minimum wage is raised to RM1,800, above the statutory rate of RM1,700. The agreement also includes a 10% salary adjustment for eligible employees the highest since the union was established in 1974 along with a special backdated adjustment payment for August to October 2025, to be credited by 30 November 2025.
Additional enhancements include:
• revised allowances,
• expanded outpatient medical benefits for employees and immediate family members,
• improved transportation reimbursement for medical appointments,
• increased death benefits, and
• adjustments to annual increments.
The new CA takes effect from 1 August 2025 to 31 July 2028, providing stability and clarity for nearly 10,000 GENM employees.
Sim: A Win-Win Agreement and a Model for Industrial Harmony
Sim praised the swift three-month negotiation process, calling it evidence of a mature and responsible industrial partnership.
“This is a win-win outcome. Nearly 10,000 workers will benefit, and the negotiation concluded in just three months something even political negotiations rarely achieve. This level of cooperation strengthens both the workforce and the company,” he said.
He added that Malaysia’s broader wage reforms including the Minimum Wage Order, the new Progressive Wage Policy and the introduction of national wage guidelines aim to uplift workers structurally, not merely through legislative directives.
“You cannot raise wages through legislation alone. That’s why the Progressive Wage Policy exists to incentivise companies, especially SMEs, to pay higher wages.
With these combined measures, we are starting to see meaningful improvements across the labour market,” he said.
A Message Beyond Genting: The Ministry Must Always Serve Workers
Sim concluded with a reminder that the Ministry of Human Resources must remain grounded in its core mission regardless of political transitions.
“Ministers come and go. Today it may be Steven Sim; tomorrow it may be someone else. But whoever sits in this chair must go to the ground, must stand with workers, and must keep the spirit of worker solidarity alive. This is not about the individual it is about the dignity of workers,” he said. -MalayaDailyToday
