Government allocates RM5mil for mobile labour courts to bring justice to workers in remote areas
PUTRAJAYA: The government will roll out a mobile labour court system after August, in a move to expand access to labour justice, especially for workers in remote areas.
At a press conference today, Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri Ramanan Ramakrishnan said an initial RM5 million allocation has been approved for the initiative, with three mobile court units to be deployed across Peninsular Malaysia in the first phase.
He added that the programme will later be expanded to Sabah and Sarawak under a phased rollout.
“This is a game changer, as the mobile labour court brings proceedings directly to affected communities, eliminating the need for parties to travel long distances for hearings.”
“There is no need for people to go to court, the court will come to them,” the minister said, adding that the initiative would significantly reduce costs, travel time and income loss for workers.
Ramanan said the rollout will be conducted gradually, with details on locations and schedules to be disseminated in stages.
He said the courts will operate at different locations at different times, focusing mainly on rural and hard-to-reach areas where access to labour courts is limited.
“In urban areas, where labour courts are already accessible, the mobile courts will play a lesser role.
“For now, the mobile labour courts will rely on existing manpower, but staffing capacity is expected to improve following the planned merger of three departments, including the Labour Department, Trade Union Affairs Department and Industrial Relations Department.”
He emphasised that the merger is intended to streamline functions, reduce overlaps, and allow for better sharing of resources, including enforcement officers and labour court personnel.
The minister also stressed that the mobile court initiative was not driven by complaints but by the need to be empathetic and proactive.
“We are here to facilitate, not frustrate.
Workers earning the minimum wage of RM1,700 should not be burdened with travel costs and lost income simply to pursue labour claims.
“This is about being progressive and ensuring access to justice is fair and practical for everyone,” he added.
