Malaysia is looking to expand its existing social safety net for workers to include coverage beyond working hours and provide round-the-clock protection.
The Social Security Organisation (Socso) will be tasked with examining a new social protection framework that will provide 24-hour coverage and is expected to benefit 7.6 million workers nationwide, Deputy Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Mohamad said.
“This framework aims to close the inequality gap, ensuring that no worker is left without protection when needed,” Abdul Rahman told the Dewan Rakyat on Thursday (Oct 24) during the oral question-and-answer session.
The review of this comprehensive safety net for workers, which will also extend to the Borneo states, is in response to calls from various stakeholders, including the Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC) and the Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF), he noted.
“The ministry has already held discussions with stakeholders in Sarawak and Sabah, and the minister will present the proposal to the cabinet,” Abdul Rahman said.
He added that Socso has also introduced the Self-Employment Social Security Scheme (SKSPS) to offer benefits and protection to self-employed workers in the event of any untoward incidents.
However, the scheme is voluntary and covers workers in 20 sectors, including passenger transport, agriculture and fisheries.
