The Human Resources Ministry (MoHR) is moving to extend round-the-clock social security protection for employees under the Social Security Organisation, closing a long-standing gap in worker coverage.
MoHR Minister Steven Sim said amendments to the Employees’ Social Security Act 1969 (Act 4) have been approved by the Cabinet and are expected to be tabled in Parliament this year.
“For example, if an employee takes his family out for dinner after work, he currently has no protection. After the amendments, 24-hour coverage will be provided, including outside working hours,” Sim said.
The minister stressed that the move is crucial as only 40% of Malaysians are covered by private insurance, leaving the majority of workers exposed outside office hours. The expanded protection would include access to health treatment, rehabilitation and other essential services in the event of accidents or unforeseen incidents.
Sim also revealed that 28 labour laws are under review, including the Employment Act 1955, the Sabah Labour Ordinance and the Sarawak Labour Ordinance, to ensure they remain relevant and protect workers’ rights.
