The government has allocated RM3.5 million through the 2026 Trade Union Affairs Programme Grant (PHEKS) to strengthen Malaysia’s trade unions as artificial intelligence (AI), automation and digitalisation reshape the workplace.
Human Resources Minister Dato’ Sri Ramanan Ramakrishnan said the allocation would support efforts to build the capacity of trade unions, including in digitalisation, education, governance and organisational development.
He said the changing nature of work would not only affect jobs and the skills required by industries, but also how workers are protected, represented and prepared for the future labour market.
“Trade unions must move in tandem with changes in the world of work. We want unions that are not only vocal in fighting for workers’ rights, but also have the knowledge, credibility and capacity to understand the new challenges workers are facing.”
Ramanan said this when officiating the 2026 National Trade Union Convention, themed “Towards Creating Progressive, Integrity-Driven and Dynamic Trade Unions”.
He said the RM3.5 million allocation reflected the government’s commitment to ensuring trade unions have stronger capabilities and do not fall behind as the labour market changes.
Ramanan also called on union leaders to place greater emphasis on integrity, professionalism and governance, saying the strength of a union should not be measured solely by membership numbers but also by workers’ confidence in its leadership.
“Trade unions must stay close to workers. They need to know what is happening in the workplace, understand workers’ concerns and be able to bring their voices to the negotiating table with credibility.”
He added that tripartite cooperation must continue to be strengthened so that workers’ welfare, business sustainability and the country’s economic progress can move forward together.
The Ministry also urged trade union leaders nationwide to remain a credible voice for workers, stay close to their members and play a greater role in national development.
