PUTRAJAYA: The first ever federal-state coordinating meeting was held in an effort to improve human resource initiatives nationwide and in a globally competitive market.
Billed as "Mex Kesuma", the meeting between the Human Resources Ministry and relevant state exco members was meant to establish a platform for discussion of human resource issues between the Federal Government and state governments.
Minister Steven Sim (pic) said Mex Kesuma aimed to ensure better coordination in the planning and implementation of human resource development programmes.
"In addition, the platform will be used to discuss critical issues in each state such as skills training development, enforcement of workers' rights in legislation, occupational safety and health, industrial relations, trade unions and social protection.
"With this new cooperative avenue, we hope to better formulate a joint strategy to ensure the country's human resources are capable of competing in the dynamic global market,” he told a press conference after chairing the first Mex Kesuma, which lasted for over two hours, at a hotel here yesterday.
Among the topics touched on were the minimum wage and progressive wage policy, implementation of worker protection schemes under the Social Security Organisation (PERKESO) and the possible impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the workforce, said Sim.
On the new worker protection schemes under PERKESO, the Non-Workplace Accident Scheme (SKBBK) was raised.
On Feb 5, Deputy Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Mohamad said the law would be tabled in Parliament this year.
Sim said his ministry has heeded the calls of worker unions to have this important law passed as soon as possible.
"We will do our best to have it passed and laws amended by the end of this year,” he added.
