Only 6% of Malaysia’s workforce are union members despite over one million registered, says Human Resources Minister Ramanan.
KUALA LUMPUR: Trade unions must play a more active role in attracting workers, as only about 6% of Malaysia’s workforce are union members despite more than one million workers already being registered with unions, Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri Ramanan Ramakrishnan said.
He said unions should not be viewed merely as organisations workers turn to when problems arise, but as long-term platforms to safeguard labour rights, prevent disputes and strengthen the country’s labour movement.
“Trade unions are for the long term. For too long, trade unions have been seen as a place workers go to only when there is a problem. No, it’s not. It’s a union,” he told reporters after officiating the presentation of the Trade Union Affairs Programme (PHEKS) Grant 2026 for Peninsular Malaysia today.
Ramanan said Malaysia currently has 786 registered trade unions with more than 1.06 million members as of Dec 31 last year, but participation levels show that many workers have yet to fully benefit from union representation.
He said unions themselves must take the lead in engaging workers, expanding membership and encouraging greater participation in union activities.
“We need to activate them and carry out programmes, but the first step must come from the trade unions themselves. They must involve more members and give them more opportunities to participate,” he said.
The government has allocated RM6.1 million for the PHEKS programme nationwide this year to strengthen trade unions, including RM3.5 million for training, education, research, digitalisation and governance initiatives.
A further RM2.6 million has been set aside for outreach and corporate social responsibility programmes.
For Peninsular Malaysia, 325 grant applications were approved, involving RM2.88 million in allocations.
Ramanan said the allocation had been increased this year based on demand and could be raised further if funds are properly utilised and accounted for.
“If next year the RM2.8 million has been fully used, reports are submitted, and the funds are used properly with good governance and administration, we will increase it,” he said.
He added that the aim was to improve union effectiveness and encourage greater worker participation, stressing that trade unions are strategic partners of the government in ensuring fair and inclusive economic growth.
“When workers are treated fairly, productivity will increase. When employers have quality workers, businesses will grow. When both succeed, the country benefits,” he said.
Ramanan also reiterated that the ministry supports fairness rather than taking sides between employers and workers, adding that harmonious industrial relations remain central to Malaysia’s labour market development.
The event also saw the presentation of PHEKS 2026 grants to unions in Peninsular Malaysia to support training, education, research, digitalisation, governance and outreach initiatives.
Also present were Deputy Human Resources Minister Datuk Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan and Department of Trade Union Affairs deputy director-general Anita Ahmad.
