Show of appreciation: Sim (back row, centre), Subahan (back row, seventh from left), media representatives and reporters having a group photo taken during the PERKESO Media Awards Ceremony 2025 in Kuala Lumpur. — CHAN TAK KONG/The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: The media’s long-standing role as the voice of working Malaysians and a key partner in promoting social protection must continue to ensure a better future for the nation, says Steven Sim.
The Human Resources Minister said this role is especially crucial in communicating accurate policy changes and essential information to the public.
“The Social Security Organisation (PERKESO) has introduced 10 major game-changing reforms over the past two years, but we rely heavily on the media to communicate these changes.
“Many people are still unaware of the new benefits, and accurate reporting remains the only way they will learn about them,” he said at the PERKESO Media Awards Ceremony 2025 on Thursday.
The 10 reforms include a 20% increase in contributors’ benefits, higher death benefit payments, expanded coverage for migrant workers and the opening of two new rehabilitation centres in Ipoh and Penang.
Another significant reform is that workers no longer need to make upfront payments at PERKESO panel clinics, as medical costs are now covered directly at more than 1,400 clinics nationwide.
Sim also revealed plans to enhance the Employment Insurance System, including higher training allowances and a new RM1,000 mobility incentive for job seekers who need to relocate.
He further commended the media for its role in combating online disinformation and countering fast-moving false narratives.
“When the Gig Workers Bill was first introduced earlier this year, many false claims emerged suggesting it would burden workers, even though the system offers greater protection.
“That is why we deeply appreciate the media’s role in conveying the truth and providing clarity to the public.
“Today’s ceremony celebrates not only outstanding journalism, but also our shared commitment to truth, protection and the wellbeing of every Malaysian worker,” he said.
PERKESO board chairman Datuk Seri Subahan Kamal said the event reflected the strong bond between PERKESO and the media, describing the relationship as a symbiosis that strengthens the country’s social protection landscape.
“The news, features and reports you produced have helped millions of Malaysians understand their rights and the benefits provided under PERKESO’s social protection schemes,” he said.
Subahan added that thanks to the media’s consistent coverage of PERKESO’s policy developments, more than 300,000 media mentions had been recorded since 2020 across various platforms, including social media.
“This achievement is the result of the hard work and commitment of our media partners – reporting stories of workers who have been helped, families who have received support and patients who have regained hope.
“These stories form the lifeblood of PERKESO’s mission, as every newspaper article, television segment and social media post brings PERKESO’s impact closer to the hearts of Malaysians and reinforces public trust in its role as the guardian of the nation’s social security.
“What we celebrate tonight is not only journalistic excellence, but also our shared resolve to build a more just, inclusive and sustainable social protection ecosystem,” he said.
