Kuala lumpur: The Mobile Labour Court will begin operations in Peninsular Malaysia this August to improve access to justice for workers and employers, particularly in rural and remote areas. Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan announced the initiative, which will start with three mobile units and an initial allocation of RM5 million, with plans to eventually expand to Sabah and Sarawak.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the mobile court approach aims to conduct hearings closer to the public, thereby reducing travel costs and logistical challenges typically associated with attending Labour Court proceedings, especially for rural workers. "This initiative will make the process easier for everyone. People will no longer need to go to court; the court will come to them," Ramanan stated after a working tour of the Peninsular Malaysia Department of Labour (JTKSM).
Ramanan further explained that a rollout plan is already in place, emphasizing the need to build public awareness about the locations and movements of the mobile courts, which is why operations are scheduled to commence in August. Additionally, the Labour Court will be strengthened through digitalisation, with plans to equip six additional offices with digital recording systems this year at a cost of RM1.8 million. The offices in Ipoh, Alor Setar, Muar, Rawang, Kuantan, and Kuala Terengganu are set to receive these upgrades.
Meanwhile, Ramanan announced that three key labour agencies-JTKSM, the Trade Union Affairs Department, and the Industrial Relations Department-will be merged to improve service delivery efficiency and the enforcement of labour laws. He highlighted that the merger is necessary due to the interconnected functions of the three departments, which form part of the same issue chain, thus warranting a more integrated administrative structure. "Why separate them when the issues are interconnected? We are bringing smaller families together into a bigger family," he remarked.
Ramanan also addressed the current shortage of labour enforcement officers, noting that only about 300 officers are serving in the peninsula and 100 in Sabah and Sarawak, which he deemed insufficient to monitor the entire employment sector. In addition, an Integrated Labour Management System (SPPB) powered by artificial intelligence is being developed with an allocation of RM9.25 million, expected to be completed by 2028, aligning with the government's commitment to modernising the labour system and enhancing enforcement efficiency.