Newly appointed Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri Ramanan Ramakrishnan has outlined an ambitious 24-month reform agenda, placing labour law reforms, gig-worker governance and stronger worker protection at the top of his priorities.
In a statement, Ramanan said the Ministry of Human Resources (MOHR) will push ahead with continuous labour law reforms and finalise the National Human Resources Policy 2026–2035, a long-term blueprint for Malaysia’s workforce development.
A key focus will be the establishment of a Gig Consultative Council and a Gig Tribunal to provide clearer governance and faster dispute resolution for the growing gig economy, alongside expanded Social Security Organisation (SOCSO) coverage to include informal and self-employed workers.
The ministry will also strengthen compliance with international labour standards through the National Action Plan on Forced Labour 2.0 (2026–2030), introduce a tiered levy mechanism to ensure fairer training financing, and restructure enforcement functions to improve service delivery.
Other initiatives include setting up the MOHR Academy to build internal capacity and rolling out a Mobile Labour Court to widen access to labour justice, particularly in rural areas and high-risk sectors.
Ramanan said worker welfare covering protection, safety, job opportunities and skills development will remain central to the ministry’s agenda as it works to build a more resilient, inclusive and worker-centric employment system.
