"suara Prihatin Pekerja" Podcast To Empower Malaysian Workers

By N.KUVINESHWAREN

KUALA LUMPUR, April 30 (Bernama) -- Workers are the backbone of any nation, driving various industries and sectors, but they also often encounter various problems or issues at their workplaces.

To address issues such as unfair treatment, unsafe working conditions and low wages, besides empowering Malaysian workers, a new podcast named 'Suara Prihatin Pekerja' will be launched tomorrow at the Workers Institute of Technology, Pandamaran, in conjunction with Labour Day.

This initiative is led by veteran worker's representative A. Balasubramaniam, who is also vice president of the Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC), and former MTUC women's committee chair Noorlaila Aslah.

Balasubramaniam said the podcast, aimed to address the declining understanding of trade unions among Malaysian workers, would be aired on a biweekly basis in Bahasa Malaysia on YouTube and TikTok.

"Increasingly, Malaysian workers are encountering issues such as low wages, unsafe working conditions, obstacles to joining trade unions, and many are unaware of their rights or face resistance from employers," he told Bernama, recently.

Through informative episodes, the secretary of the Union of Employees in the Port Ancillary Services Suppliers (Unepass) said he was confident that the podcast would educate listeners about their rights and the role of trade unions in improving their working lives.

Balasubramaniam said they would provide information and create awareness on worker's rights issues, as well as assist in seeking recognition of unions from unscrupulous employers.  

According to him, listeners can expect discussions on topics such as the importance of trade unions, strategies for addressing workplace challenges, and the significance of solidarity among workers.

Meanwhile, Noorlaila emphasised the podcast's vision of contributing to the empowerment and development of women workers in the country by enhancing trade union rights, increasing awareness of worker's rights and women's participation in union activities and trade union leadership.

"Our goal is to strengthen trade unionism and ensure solidarity among workers," she added.

She said the podcast would invite speakers such as former and current trade union leaders, local and international experts and representatives from organisations like the Global Union Federations (GUF) including former MTUC presidents Tan Sri Zainal Rampak and Tuan Syed Shahir, to share their insights.

Noorlaila also stressed the importance of joining or forming trade union organisations to demand just rights for workers, ensure their welfare and motivate women to take on more leadership roles. 

"This podcast will serve as a platform for workers to learn, advocate, and stand united for their rights, fostering a stronger and more empowered workforce in Malaysia," she concluded.

-- BERNAMA