The Malay Forest Officers Union (MFOU), a BWI-affiliated public sector union in Malaysia, successfully convened its Triennial Delegates Conference from 28 to 30 July 2025. The conference reaffirmed the union’s unwavering commitment to workers’ rights and its resolve to address the pressing challenges of climate justice.

A key feature of the conference was a seminar on climate justice delivered by BWI Asia Pacific Regional Representative Apolinar Tolentino. The seminar examined the tangible impacts of climate change on workers, particularly those in vulnerable constituencies such as informal, female, and migrant labour. He also introduced BWI’s global campaigns on heat stress and the Trade Union Rainforest Alliance, underscoring the urgency of placing workers at the heart of climate solutions and defending forests through ethical, worker-led strategies.

The MFOU delegates unanimously adopted a resolution advancing climate justice and safeguarding workers and forests, anchored on three key demands. These include urging the Malaysian government to legally recognise heat stress as a serious occupational safety and health (OSH) hazard with enforceable standards; calling on the Forestry Department of Peninsular Malaysia to adopt the revised ILO Code of Practice on OSH in Forestry Work to align with international standards; and committing to active engagement in national, ASEAN, and global forums such as COP30 to advocate for climate-resilient forestry and workers’ rights.

BWI congratulated MFOU for the successful conduct of its conference and leadership elections. Hasmi bin Hamidan, a titular member of the BWI Asia Pacific Regional Committee and former General Secretary of MFOU, has been elected as the new President. BWI also extended its sincere gratitude to the outgoing President, Datuk Ahmad Suffir bin Haji Zakaria, for his steadfast leadership and service. BWI wished him all the best in his retirement.