A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNION
The National Union of Textile, Garment, Fibre, Leather and Plastic Industries Workers Peninsular Malaysia (NUTGLFP) was registered under its new name on April 29, 2025. It was formerly known as the Penang and Seberang Perai Textile Workers Union (PTGWU), headquartered in Penang, which was originally registered on May 4, 1973, under the Trade Unions Act 1959.
In the beginning, the union consisted of 13 affiliated factories with a membership exceeding 10,000 people at that time. Due to socio-economic shifts, economic recessions, and a decline in global demand, several factories under the union’s umbrella were forced to close. To date, NUTGLFP has approximately 1,500 members from three factories in Penang and one factory in Perak.
One of the primary foundations of this Union is to safeguard the rights and welfare of workers in line with the Employment Act 1955 and to ensure these rights are respected and upheld. Additionally, the union aims to obtain and maintain fair and appropriate wage scales, job security, and reasonable working hours and conditions for its members, while providing advice on matters related to employment law.
The first Collective Agreement (CA) was signed in 1978. Currently, there are two active Collective Agreements signed with two multinational companies: Penfabric Sdn Berhad and Penfibre Sdn Berhad.
ACHIEVEMENTS
To ensure workers’ rights and welfare are realised, NUTGLFP conducts negotiations through collective bargaining every three years with the respective employers to review and improve worker benefits. One of the union’s notable achievements is ensuring full compliance with the year 2022 amendments to the Employment Act 1955 through their incorporation into the collective agreements.
NUTGLFP also offers a group insurance scheme for its members, providing the lowest and most affordable premium rates with coverage for hospitalisation due to accidents, illness, and death. All union members also receive benefits directly from the Union, such as assistance for house fires, floods, children’s educational excellence, death, hospitalisation, loss of employment (while performing union duties), and retirement / end-of-contract souvenirs (for migrant workers).
Regarding external recognition, NUTGLFP was awarded the Exemplary Union for the Northern Region (Penang, Kedah & Perlis) by the Department of Trade Union Affairs Malaysia in 2022. It has also been a recipient of the Northern Zone Trade Union Development Grant (GPKS) from 2021 to the present.
In terms of international training, two Executive Council members from the newly established Women’s Exco were sent to Japan and Jakarta in June 2024 and December 2025 to attend conferences regarding challenges faced by women in unions. Additionally, an ordinary member was sent to Japan last year (2025) to attend a youth leadership convention.
Furthermore, NUTGLFP has organized several educational seminars for members to expand their knowledge and experience, aspiring to create a more innovative and competitive workforce. For recreation, NUTGLFP has organised study tours to various tourist attractions in Malaysia, sports activities, and annual dinners to strengthen the relationship between the union and its members.
CURRENT CHALLENGES
Given the sharp rise in the cost of living recently, stagnant wage growth has become a major challenge for the union, particularly during negotiations. This is reflected in the grievances and concerns voiced by members. While the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) appears strong, the gap between the rich and the poor remains too wide. While those at the top enjoy the benefits and profits, workers continue to struggle because the distribution of wealth is unfair and uneven.
Another challenge is finding young successors to ensure the continuity of the Union. The current younger generation shows less interest in being involved in the social world of Trade Unions. Despite various programs designed to engage them, the percentage of interested youth remains very low compared to the number of registered young members. If this is not addressed immediately, it may lead to the collapse of the union structure in the future.
Additionally, organising factories across Peninsular Malaysia poses a challenge, as it requires significant financial resources and manpower. Despite these hurdles, we remain committed to this vital mission. Our strength and spirit come from the support of fellow union colleagues who provide guidance and ideas for our organising efforts.
A major challenge is the influx of migrant workers, many of whom are not interested in joining the union, preferring to work and send money back to their home countries. However, the union continues its efforts to organise migrant workers. There are migrant workers within our membership who receive the same benefits and treatment as any other union member.
UNION STRUCTURE
- President: Saudara Abdul Wahid Bin Mohd Fauzi
- Vice President: Saudara Sahidan Bin Sheriff
- General Secretary: Saudara Mohd Amirruddin Bin Abd Hamid
- Asst. General Secretary: Saudara Mohamad Saiful Rizal Bin Hashim
- Treasurer: Saudari Siti Nursuraya Binti Ali
- Exco Members:
- Saudara Shamshulnizam Bin Ahmad
- Saudara Ali Bin Osman
- Saudara Rosman Bin Khalid
- Saudari Nor Wahida Binti Shaeden
CONTACT US
Any sectors involving Textile, Garment, Fibre, Leather, and Plastic that wish to affiliate with NUTGLFP are welcomed to do so. Bulat air kerana pembentung, bulat manusia kerana muafakat (Unity is strength).
Those interested in joining us may contact our officers or reach us at the address and numbers below:
Address: No. 23 Lorong Talang Satu, Taman Perai, 13600 Perai, Pulau Pinang
Telephone: 604-3905887 / 016-4541902
Email: ptwupenang@yahoo.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/penangtextile.ptwu
