Kuala Lumpur: The Human Resources Ministry (KESUMA) is set to commence the distribution of the Union Affairs Development Grant (PHEKS) on May 12, aimed at empowering trade unions to implement a range of programmes, including training initiatives designed to enhance the capacity of their organisations.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Deputy Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Mohamad announced that the grant allocation has been raised to RM10 million this year, a significant increase from last year's RM5.8 million. "With this increased allocation, we can expand the support or increase the amount each union receives. This time, it involves 551 unions. Previously, we provided between RM20,000 and RM50,000 depending on the size of the union," he explained.

Abdul Rahman emphasized the importance of the grant for the unions, stating that it is intended to support them in executing their programmes. He shared these insights with reporters following the 2025 Labour Day Celebration and Cuepacs Gathering. The event was also attended by Public Service Department director-general Tan Sri Wan Ahmad Dahlan Abdul Aziz, Cuepacs president Datuk Dr Adnan Mat, and Deputy Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay.

Abdul Rahman further noted that he, along with Human Resources Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong, will alternate in presenting the grants, beginning with the region of Sabah. Earlier, he underlined the Ministry's dedication to bolstering policies and workers' protection rights. Since last year, eight labour-related laws have been drafted and amended, all of which have now been passed in Parliament, marking a significant milestone in the nation's efforts to reinforce workers' rights, including recent amendments to the Sabah and Sarawak Labour Ordinances.