KUALA LUMPUR: Plans for social protection to be expanded beyond working hours are underway, says Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Mohamad.
The Deputy Human Resources Minister said that the Social Security Organisation (Socso) will look into a new social protection framework to offer 24-hour comprehensive social security coverage beyond working hours.
"The framework will benefit approximately 7.6 million workers in the country.
"This will bridge the inequality gap, ensuring that no worker is left without protection when needed," he said in Dewan Rakyat on Thursday (Oct 24) in response to Sivakumar Varatharaju Naidu (PH-Batu Gajah).
He noted that the stakeholders such as the Malaysian Trades Union Congress and Malaysian Employers Federation have proposed a round-the-clock safety framework.
Six engagement discussions were held with stakeholders to align with the needs of the employers, he added.
The framework would also be extended to Sabah and Sarawak.
"The ministry will present the plan to the Cabinet," he said.
He said that Sosco currently provides both the Employment Injury Scheme and the Invalidity Scheme.
The Employment Injury Scheme covers accidents and disease from the course of work.
The Invalidity Pension Scheme provides 24-hour coverage to employees against invalidity or death caused by any reason.
He added that for those who are self-employed, there is a voluntary scheme, namely the Self-Employed Social Security Scheme (SKSPS), which covers 20 different sectors.
