'Informal sector workers need better policies'

Many fishermen make their living catching prawns and cockles in a small village in Kuala Sepetang. As they age, the workers do not have enough social security at work. — Agencies

PETALING JAYA: The social safety net for workers in the informal sector, especially senior citizens, needs to be bolstered amidst the rising cost of living and inadequate savings, say various groups, including an international body.

The World Bank's "Informal Employment in Malaysia" report released on Feb 26 outlined several recommendations for improvement, including a targeted subsidy for social insurance contributions, automatic voluntary deductions from earnings, and a steady increase in earnings.