Ixora Hotel, Penang | 22 June 2025 (Sunday)
The Ministry of Human Resources (KESUMA) continues to strengthen the trade union movement through the 2025 Northern Zone Trade Union Affairs Program (PHEKS) Assistance Handover Ceremony, which was officiated by YB Steven Sim Chee Keong, Minister of Human Resources.
The ceremony was also attended by YAB Tuan Chow Kon Yeow, Chief Minister of Penang and YBhg. Datuk Azman Bin Mohd Yusof, Secretary-General of KESUMA, along with union leaders from Penang, Kedah, Perlis and Perak. Their presence reflected the joint commitment of the state and federal governments to the welfare of workers.
The government allocated RM10 million, the highest allocation in PHEKS history, compared to RM5.8 million in 2024. Of this amount, RM7.15 million was approved for 551 applications, including RM1.51 million for 124 applications from the Northern Zone. Another RM2.85 million was distributed for outreach and community service programmes.
In his speech, the Minister emphasized PHEKS as a symbol of KESUMA’s commitment to empowering workers’ voices, in line with the principles of a CIVIL Malaysia based on Justice, Prosperity and Inclusion. This initiative is not just financial assistance, but a platform to strengthen mature and responsive union leadership.
The council also recognised the important role of unions in championing workers’ rights and supporting harmonious industrial relations. This is in line with KESUMA’s mission to make unions a strategic partner of the government towards an inclusive and fair employment ecosystem.
