KESUMA doubles down on trade union support with RM10mn boost for PHEKS 2025 North Zone

With a focus on building a mature and progressive trade union movement in Malaysia, the Ministry of Human Resources hopes to elevate leadership skills among union members through continuous learning under the Trade Union Affairs Programme (PHEKS).

The Ministry of Human Resources (KESUMA) is stepping up its commitment to workers by investing RM10mn in the Trade Union Affairs Programme (PHEKS) for 2025, compared to the previous year (RM5.8mn). This boost reflects the Ministry’s focus on empowering trade unions not just to protect workers’ rights, but also to develop leadership skills through ongoing education.

PHEKS is a one-off financial assistance programme provided to trade unions registered in Malaysia. A total of five clusters have been offered to trade unions, namely: 

1. Training and Educational Programmes
2. Study of Trade Union Movements
3. Scientific Writing Concerning Labour Issues Related to Trade Unions
4. Purchase of Computer Equipment
5. Digitisation of Trade Union Management Records

In a press statement by KESUMA on 22 June 2025, out of the total budget, RM7.15mn will go directly to work units across approved clusters, while RM2.85mn will be allocated for set aside for outreach programmes and community service initiatives (CSR).

Beyond financial support, PHEKS 2025 aims to strengthen Malaysia’s trade union movement by fostering maturity and growth in line with the Madani Malaysia vision and global standards. At its core is a continuous learning platform designed with the goal to elevate the leadership skills of trade union members.

"This is to realise a mature and progressive trade union movement in Malaysia on par with trade unionism at the international level by implementing the Madani Malaysia concept."

So far, PHEKS 2025 has received a total of 1,049 applications from various trade unions nationwide, with 551 approved funding requests totaling RM7.15mn. A total of 72 applications worth RM858,277 were approved for PHEKS 2025 North Zone Level which includes the states of Penang, Kedah and Perlis. 

READ MORE: PHEKS 2025 Southern Zone sees "historic" allocation of RM10mn to strengthen Malaysia's labour ecosystem

Lead image / KESUMA