Gerawat (centre) receives the award from Siti Hajar and Menaga from MBOR. Also seen are (from left) Richard and Buckland.
KUCHING (Oct 1): Sarawak has made history by receiving recognition from the Malaysia Book of Records (MBOR) for hosting the nation’s largest state-level Labour Day celebration.
The certificate was presented at Wisma Bapa Malaysia today, coinciding with the fourth anniversary of the State Immigration and Labour Management Unit (ILMU).
Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department (Labour, Immigration and Project Monitoring) Datuk Gerawat Gala, who officiated the ceremony, said the recognition was a proud moment for the state.
“We had more than 1,500 participants from workers’ and employers’ unions, the private sector as well as relevant government ministries, departments and agencies — the largest ever Labour Day gathering in Sarawak to date,” he said in a statement.
The award and certificate were handed over by MBOR officials Siti Hajar Johor and Menaga Vadamala.
The recognition honors the state-level Labour Day gathering held on May 18 at Hikmah Exchange, marking Sarawak as the first state in Malaysia to achieve this record.
Gerawat also expressed gratitude to Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg for his strong support, which made the large-scale celebration possible.
He noted that the achievement was even more meaningful as it coincided with ILMU’s fourth anniversary, highlighting the unit’s key role in managing labour and immigration matters under Sarawak’s rights via the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), the Federal Constitution, the Immigration Act and the Sarawak Labour Ordinance.
“While other agencies or states may attempt to create new records in the future, the fact remains that Sarawak will always be remembered as the first state to secure this achievement. Once a pioneer, forever a pioneer,” he said.
Looking ahead, Gerawat said ILMU is finalising its Strategic Plan 2026–2030, aimed at strengthening systems, improving service delivery, and ensuring efficient and transparent governance of labour and immigration matters.
“This recognition is not the end of our success story, but the beginning of a new chapter. It is a stepping stone for ILMU and all our strategic partners to move forward with greater courage, integrity and service quality,” he added.
Also present at the certificate presentation were Deputy State Secretary (Administration) Datu Buckland Bangik and ILMU director Richard Lon.
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