Malaysia Committed To Strengthening Social Protection System - Ramanan

KUALA LUMPUR, June 9 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian government under the leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim remains committed to strengthening the country's social protection system to ensure it is more inclusive, sustainable and responsive to the evolving needs of today's workforce.

Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan said this was highlighted by him during a courtesy call by the Malaysian delegation on the President of the International Social Security Association (ISSA), Datuk Seri Dr Mohammed Azman Aziz Mohammed, in Geneva, Switzerland.

He said the government is determined to ensure that every reform introduced strikes a balance between safeguarding workers' welfare and maintaining employers’ competitiveness to support sustainable economic growth.

“During the meeting, I shared various achievements and legal reforms implemented by the MADANI Government to strengthen the welfare, social protection and well-being of workers in Malaysia.

“Among the key initiatives highlighted was the implementation of the Gig Workers Act 2025, which came into force on March 31, 2026, as an important step towards ensuring that more than 1.6 million gig workers enjoy greater protection and guaranteed rights in line with the changing nature of work,” he said in a Facebook post.

Ramanan also outlined the implementation of the Non-Work Accident Scheme, known as LINDUNG24, which took effect on June 1.

He said the scheme provides comprehensive social security coverage to more than nine million workers nationwide, regardless of when or where an accident occurs, including incidents outside working hours.

Introduced through amendments to the Employees’ Social Security Act 1969, the LINDUNG24 Scheme expands Malaysia’s social security safety net by extending protection to workers beyond the workplace, including during weekends and public holidays.

Meanwhile, Ramanan said the visit provided an opportunity for Malaysia and ISSA to exchange views and share best practices in social security administration, further strengthening strategic cooperation in advancing social protection at both national and international levels.

Also present during the meeting were ISSA Secretary-General Marcelo Abi-Ramia Caetano, Chairman of the ISSA Supervisory Commission Fabian Pilzecker, and ISSA Director of Governance, Relations and Regions Jens Schremmer.

Others included ISSA Regional Coordinator for Asia and the Pacific Indrajid Nurmukti, the Special Officer to the ISSA President Mas Ari Amry A. Rahman, and the Special Officer to the Chairman of the ISSA Supervisory Commission Katharina Kirn.

-- BERNAMA