PUTRAJAYA: In a bid to enhance the implementation of human resource initiatives nationwide, the first-ever Coordination Meeting (Mex Kesuma) between the Human Resources Ministry and state executive councillors was held on Thursday.
Human Resources Minister Steven Sim said the two-hour meeting aimed to establish a platform for discussions between the federal and state governments on key human resource issues.
“Mex Kesuma ensures better coordination in the planning and implementation of human resource development programmes at both federal and state levels, ensuring uniformity and effectiveness.
“In addition, this platform facilitates discussions on critical issues in each state, including skills training development, enforcement of workers’ rights, occupational safety and health, industrial relations, trade unions, and social protection.
“With this new cooperative framework, we hope to develop a joint strategy to ensure the nation’s human resources remain competitive in the dynamic global market,” he said at a press conference after chairing the inaugural meeting at a hotel here.
Among the topics discussed were the minimum wage and progressive wage policy, implementation of worker protection schemes under the Social Security Organisation (PERKESO), and the potential impact of artificial intelligence on the workforce, Sim said.
One of the PERKESO protection schemes highlighted was the Non-Workplace Accident Scheme, which Deputy Human Resources Minister Abdul Rahman Mohamad previously announced would be tabled in Parliament this year on Feb 5.
Sim said his ministry aims to pass the proposed scheme and amend the relevant legislation before the end of the year.
“We have heard the calls from worker unions to expedite this crucial law, and we will do our best to ensure it is passed and amended by year-end,” he added.
