KUALA LUMPUR: The government is proposing two major reforms to the national social protection system, which will be tabled in Parliament.
Human Resources Minister Steven Sim said the reforms include round-the-clock protection for Perkeso contributors, allowing them to make claims for any accident or disaster at any time, including outside working hours or on weekends.
“The second reform concerns the Employment Insurance System (EIS), with the introduction of a RM1,000 Mobility Allowance for contributors who secure new employment more than 100 kilometres from their original residence. This is aimed at helping cover relocation and transportation costs.
“This initiative will extend the safety net to gig workers and job seekers, making the national social security system more inclusive and comprehensive,” he said.
He was speaking at the Perkeso Media Awards 2025 at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel today.
Present at the event were Perkeso chairman Datuk Seri Subahan Kamal and group chief executive officer Datuk Seri Dr Mohammed Azman Aziz Mohammed. Representing Media Prima Bhd were Media Prima OMNiA and Direct Solutions chief operating officer Datuk Mohd Efendi Omar, Media Prima News and Current Affairs group managing editor Jasbant Singh, and his deputy Farrah Naz Abd Karim, who is also New Straits Times group editor, deputy group editor Sharanjit Singh, as well as Berita Harian group editor Zulkifli Jalil.
Steven said Perkeso had implemented 10 major enhancements over the past two years, based on the ministry’s focus on three key pillars — welfare, skills and effectiveness (3K) — to ensure contributors receive full benefits.
“In just 24 months, Perkeso has carried out significant reforms that have been a ‘game changer’ for the national social security system.
“Key achievements include a 20 per cent increase in benefits for contributors, raising the death gratuity from RM2,000 to RM3,000 to ease the burden on families of the deceased.
“Perkeso has also extended the Invalidity Scheme to migrant workers, allowing them to enjoy the same protection as local workers, reducing reliance on charitable contributions or public funds in the event of accidents,” he added.
Steven also said Perkeso currently operates three rehabilitation centres in Melaka, Ipoh and Terengganu, with a fourth set to be built in Penang as announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in the 2026 Budget.
“These rehabilitation centres are designed to assist workers in their recovery after accidents,” he said.
“Since February, Perkeso’s 1,400 panel clinics nationwide have offered treatment without upfront payments, ensuring easier access to healthcare for low-income workers.
“Previously, contributors had to pay between RM150 and RM200 before claiming reimbursement. Now, they can receive free treatment at panel clinics without any advance payment,” he added.
He said Perkeso had also reduced the approval process for dialysis assistance from 40 days to seven days, while obtaining a hospital guarantee letter (GL) now takes only 24 hours compared with three days previously.
In addition, the dialysis subsidy has been increased from RM150 to RM170 per session, providing an additional RM280 per month to beneficiaries.
Steven said the implementation of the Self-Protection Scheme under the Gig Workers Bill allows certain categories of workers, such as part-time media practitioners, to be covered even if they have not fully contributed to the system.
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