Kuala lumpur: Only around six per cent of the country's entire workforce is currently in workers' unions, said Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan. He highlighted the low participation rate at the Peninsular Malaysia Workers' Union Affairs Programme (PHEKS) 2026 grant presentation ceremony, emphasizing that many workers may not fully understand the role and benefits of joining unions.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ramanan stated that workers' unions are not just organizations representing employees' voices but serve as strategic partners to the government. They play a crucial role in ensuring fair and inclusive economic development while maintaining harmonious industrial relations between the government, employers, and workers. Ramanan urged workers to consider union membership proactively rather than only in times of difficulty, as unions can help prevent issues before they arise.

Ramanan mentioned that the government has allocated RM6.1 million for the implementation of PHEKS 2026 across the country. This initiative aims to strengthen the workers' union movement and enhance the capacity of workers' organizations to face current labor market challenges. Of the total allocation, RM3.5 million will be used for training, education, research, digitalization, and governance empowerment programs, while RM2.6 million is designated for outreach and corporate social responsibility initiatives.

Additionally, Ramanan emphasized the importance of adapting to technological advances, including artificial intelligence, in the workplace. The ministry, through initiatives like Jelajah AI MyMahir under TalenCorp, has allocated RM110 million for skills upgrading programs for Malaysians. As of December 31, 2025, Malaysia has 786 registered workers' unions, with over 1.06 million members.