ILO Director-general’s Visit To Malaysia Marks Historic Milestone – KESUMA

KUALA LUMPUR,Oct 22 (Bernama) -- Gilbert F. Houngbo’s visit to Malaysia marks a historic milestone, as it is the first official visit by a Director-General of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) to the country.

To welcome Houngbo, Human Resources Minister Steven Sim hosted a casual lunch at Cili Kampung Restaurant yesterday, serving local delights including durian, much to the delight of the ILO delegates.

“The warm and relaxed atmosphere reflects the spirit of openness and friendship that has long underpinned Malaysia-ILO relations,” said a statement from the Ministry of Human Resources (KESUMA) here today.

Representatives of the government, workers and employers also attended the meeting, highlighting the spirit of mutual respect and trust that forms the foundation of Malaysia’s tripartite cooperation.

Among those present were Malaysian Employers Federation president Datuk Dr Syed Hussain Syed Husman; Malaysian Trades Union Congress president Datuk Abdul Halim Mansor; Congress of Unions of Employees in the Public Service deputy secretary-general Mohd Zool Asmani Mahmood; and KESUMA International Division secretary Raja Mohd Nizam Raja Kamarulbahrin.

According to KESUMA, during the meeting, Sim also expressed Malaysia’s intention to join the Global Coalition for Social Justice at the 114th session of the International Labour Conference (ILC) next year, an ILO initiative established in 2023 to strengthen global efforts towards achieving universal social justice.

“Malaysia’s participation will demonstrate the country’s commitment to protecting workers’ rights, expanding social protection nets, and supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),” the statement said.

Today, Houngbo attended the Global Skills Forum (GSF), organised by HRD Corp, an agency under KESUMA. The forum serves as an important platform to strengthen regional cooperation on skills development and future employment opportunities.

Established in 1919, the ILO is a specialised agency of the United Nations (UN) mandated to promote social justice, safeguard workers’ rights, and advance the concept of decent work worldwide.

Malaysia has been an ILO member state since 1957 and has ratified 18 ILO conventions, 14 of which remain in force, while also working closely with the organisation on issues including migrant workers’ rights, forced labour and supply chains.

--BERNAMA