Sarawak Timber Association opposes proposed wage council amendments, seeks stakeholder consultation

KUCHING (April 1): The Sarawak Timber Association (STA) has voiced its opposition towards several proposed amendments to the National Wages Consultative Council Act 2011.

STA chairman Dato Henry Lau Lee Kong said among the proposals that has raised serious concerns among employers are expanding wage protections to cover starting salaries and mandatory annual increments, the removal of warrant requirements for inspections, as well as proposals that would grant authorities broad powers to access company data for study purposes.

“STA totally disagrees with the proposal to allow entry and inspection by enforcement officers without a warrant, as well as granting broad access to company records for study purposes, raises legitimate concerns regarding procedural safeguards, the confidentiality of business information, and the protection of normal business operations,” he said in his report on the association’s 2025 workings ahead of its annual general meeting here on Tuesday.

He said such measures will invariably expose employers to grave uncertainty, abuses, and disruption.

“STA therefore urges that these proposals be discarded without reservation.

“Instead, greater consultation with industry stakeholders so that a proper productive enforcement can be implemented,” he stressed.

Separately, as global economic conditions remain highly uncertain, STA appealed to the government to consider appropriate support measures to help the industry manage rising costs, including a review of royalty, cess, and premium rates where appropriate.

During the AGM, Lau retained his position as chairman for the 2026-2027 term.

This is Lau’s third term as STA chairman – a post he has held since 2022.