KUALA LUMPUR: The Human Resources Ministry, through the Social Security Organisation (PERKESO), continues to undertake comprehensive reforms to strengthen social protection for all contributors, including gig workers and foreign workers, says Steven Sim Chee Keong.
The Human Resources Minister said that 10 major reforms have been implemented over the past two years to provide more comprehensive protection for contributors' welfare.
"These reforms are guided by the ministry's three priorities, namely welfare, skills and productivity (3K). All efforts aim to ensure that every contributor, whether a permanent worker, migrant or gig worker, receives fair and comprehensive protection," he said in his speech at the PERKESO Media Awards 2025 Ceremony here Thursday (Nov 13) night.
Among the major reforms, Sim said, were a 20% rise in contributor benefits, an increase in death benefits from RM2,000 to RM3,000, and the extension of the Invalidity Scheme to foreign workers.
In addition, he said PERKESO contributors were no longer required to make upfront payments for treatment at 1,400 panel clinics, the approval process for dialysis assistance had been reduced from 40 days to seven and the dialysis subsidy had been raised from RM150 to RM170 per session.
Sim also said that under the GIG Workers Bill, which was previously tabled in Parliament, part-time media practitioners such as freelancers, photographers, videographers and stringers would also be eligible for PERKESO protection in recognition of their contribution.
He said that, at the same time, a RM1,000 Mobility Allowance would also be provided to job seekers who secure employment more than 100km from their homes, as an additional benefit under the Employment Insurance Scheme (SIP).
"These measures are a game-changer in the country's social protection system. We are not only increasing benefits but also strengthening the safety net for every worker who contributes," he said.
Sim also expressed his appreciation to PERKESO and media partners for their important role in delivering accurate information to the public, which has helped to make the government's social reform agenda a success. - Bernama
