KUCHING: As at May 31, the Industrial Relations Department has solved 2,043 workmen’s compensation claims across the country.
Human Resources Minister Datuk Richard Riot said that number was 80.4 per cent of the 2,541 cases reported so far.
“In Sarawak alone, the department has handled 894 cases, 98.8 per cent or 883 of which have been solved,” he said at the presentation of cheques to 876 former employees of Sanmina-SCI Corporation Sdn Bhd, who were laid off last year.
He said the increase in the number of cases solved through negotiations and peace talks at the department proved the government’s commitment in ensuring rights of workers whose services were terminated by their employers.
“At the same time, it also demonstrates the government’s recognition of local workmen’s contributions.
“This is also a result of close cooperation between employers and workers to solve their disputes in a peaceful manner,” he said.
Riot said negotiation was also the first step to avoid disputes that could end up with something more adversarial in court.
“What is certain is that any trial in court will lead to additional cost to be borne by the employee, besides having to wait longer for the matter to be resolved,” he added. — Bernama