KANGAR: The Ministry of Human Resources (KESUMA) is committed to ensuring the safety of workers at the workplace as part of its efforts to improve the welfare, skills, and productivity of workers in the country. Its minister, Steven Sim Chee Keong, stated that the ministry has enforced eight labor laws in Malaysia, including laws related to the Social Security Organisation (Perkeso), and fully implemented the Occupational Safety and Health (Amendment) Act 2022 on June 1.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Perkeso-related laws have enabled 1.5 million workers in the country to receive an additional 20 percent in Perkeso benefits, while about 100 improvements under the Occupational Safety and Health Act have been introduced to create a safer workplace environment. Steven Sim emphasized the importance of workers having a conducive workplace, dignified work, fair salary, benefits, and the ability to return home safely to their families each day. This commitment was expressed during his speech at a working vis
it and the launch of the Veteran MyWIRA Programme, as well as the state-level Talent Development Programme at the Industrial Training Institute (ILP) in Kangar.
The Veteran MyWIRA, a career continuation programme launched on January 22, is a collaboration between KESUMA and the Defence Ministry. It involves agencies under both ministries, including TalentCorp and the Ex-Servicemen Affairs Corporation (PERHEBAT), while the Talent Development Programme is implemented by HRD Corp. In addition, Steven Sim announced plans to introduce new legislation in December to protect gig economy workers, such as e-hailing and p-hailing drivers, who are not currently covered under existing laws as they are not defined as employees. This new legislation aims to align with practices in countries like Singapore, the United States, and Australia.
Sim urged KESUMA staff in Perlis to actively engage with workers, listen to their concerns, understand their challenges, and work towards resolving issues. The focus is on granting rig
hts and dignity to workers, which has been the ministry’s objective over the past eight to ten months.
