BOOMERS may remember the events of 1972, when Deputy Prime Minister Tun Dr. Ismail Abdul Rahman declared May 1 as a public holiday in conjunction with Labor Day observed worldwide.
The first official celebration was in 1973. I was not even born yet but was told it gave new hope to workers throughout the country.
The 8-hour workday was a right and contribution of workers fought for by trade union leaders like V. David. This movement led to a major historical achievement in 1995, when the Malayan Trades Union Congress (MTUC) held one of its biggest rallies in Kuala Lumpur to demand better working conditions.
V. David, as a prominent trade unionist and Member of Parliament, championed Beyond the Day Off, and it succeeded.
Although focused on industrial workers, it now encompasses all sectors, including the modern gig economy and the public service.
The continued reliance on foreign workers in the low-skilled sector is an ongoing challenge regarding migrant rights protection, debt bondage, and the need for structural reforms to transition to a high-income economy.
“Pekerja Madani, Kesuma Bangsa” has been the main theme for this year’s Labor Day celebration.
The Madani government has announced a RM710 million Pace package that focuses on social protection, training and empowerment of gig workers.
The Madani government initiative under Anwar Ibrahim’s administration has brought many benefits to Malaysians, especially 132,000 women in the form of financial assistance through the Post-Maternity Leave Allowance (EPCB) with additional leave for mothers (The downside is that I’m not married!).
Three other initiatives under Pace 2026 involve Youth Talent Development, Gig Worker Empowerment and Training Empowerment.
Plans to extend SOCSO coverage to citizens working abroad (starting with Singapore) are reportedly under discussion. I hope it goes through, because it will benefit over 480,000 workers.
There is no denying that the Madani government has done a lot for workers in Malaysia.
But much more can be done. For me, as someone still trying to find their footing in the labor market: Stability Is The Key.
One idea is a four-day workweek, similar to what some Scandinavian countries have tried, because it shows that productivity doesn’t have to come at the expense of well-being.
Having an extra day to recharge, improve skills, or just get on with life feels less like a luxury and more like a necessary change for a generation entering an already challenging and unpredictable job landscape.
At the same time, I think about the pressures faced by the “sandwich generation” of balancing support for both children and aging parents and how workplace policies can better acknowledge that reality.
Flexible working hours, caregiving incentives, or simple empathy from an employer can make a big difference.
It’s not just about getting a job anymore. It’s about finding sustainable ways to build a life around it.
Steady Work, Stable Life! – May 5, 2026
***Jepry is a nickname for Haziq Hamid, former Malaysian crime journalist (999) 2019-2021 and content producer (Astro Radio) 2023