Historic First: Sim Visits TV3 Employees' Union Office, Signals Stronger Ties

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 27 (Bernama) -- The recent visit of Minister of Human Resources Steven Sim Chee Keong to the TV3 Malaysia Employees Union office created a new milestone for the organisation since its establishment 36 years ago.

Its president, Khairuzzaman Mohammad, said this was the first occasion a Human Resources Minister had visited the TV3 Union office, demonstrating the ministry’s commitment to strengthening the relationship between the government and trade unions.

"During the visit, the minister listened attentively to the views and requests presented by the union's executive committee as representatives from other unions, including the Sistem Televisyen Malaysia Bhd Employees Union, the Sistem Televisyen Malaysia Bhd Executive Union, the National Union of Journalists (NUJ), the New Straits Times Press (NSTP), and the NSTP National Newspaper Workers Union.

"Various issues concerning workers' affairs, human resource development, and efforts to enhance employee welfare within companies and the nation were discussed," he said in a statement today.

Also present during the visit were the president of Sistem Televisyen Malaysia Bhd Executive Union, Mohd Hazreen Nor Mubarak; chairman of NSTP-NUNW, Muhamad Rohaizam Latib; and chairman of NSTP-NUJ, Farah Marsitah Abdul Patah.

Khairuzzaman said the union backed the Trade Union Affairs Programme (PHEKS) launched by the ministry, which assists unions in implementing education and information technology (ICT) programmes.

"This year, the TV3 Union received a PHEKS allocation of RM25,000 for the Education and ICT programme, which is very meaningful and greatly benefits the union and its members, so it should be continued and enhanced in the future,” he said.

He also praised Sim's relentless efforts in advocating for gig workers' rights through the Gig Workers Bill 2025, which the Dewan Rakyat passed on Aug 28 and the Dewan Negara on Sept 9.

"The union began advocating for the rights and future of freelance and contract workers between 2002 and 2022, when nearly 6,000 media workers in broadcasting, print, and online (platforms) were laid off due to the economic downturn and the pandemic," he said.

Khairuzzaman also welcomed the minister’s initiative to empower Act 4 to extend Social Security protection under the Non-Occupational Accident Scheme (SKBBK) to all workers in Malaysia.

“This expanded coverage will benefit workers exposed to accident risks outside of working hours,” he said.

He said Sim’s actions demonstrate that the slogan ‘Berdiri Bersama Pekerja’ (Standing with Workers) is not mere rhetoric but is realised through his ongoing commitment to support the workforce.

-- BERNAMA