PETALING JAYA: It’s crucial to ensure that workers are protected beyond office hours, says Human Resources Minister Steven Sim.
He said that was why the ministry tabled the Employees’ Social Security (Amendment) Bill 2025, which provides 24-hour protection for employees.
The Bill was passed in the Dewan Rakyat early December.
Highlighting the plight of Ah Aik, Sim said the 53-year-old storekeeper suffered a life-altering accident last month when his left knee shattered while returning home from work by motorcycle.
Making matters worse, Aik was handed a termination letter by his employer during a recent hospital visit.
“He handed over two months of salary and a letter. Aik was illiterate so he thought it was aid. But it was a termination letter,” said Sim on a social media post.
Due to the lack of required documentation, Aik’s application for the Social Security Organisation (PERKESO) compensation was rejected.
Sim said that with Aik’s wife earning just RM1,700 from a garment factory and their children still in school and college, his family is on the brink of financial collapse.
It was at that moment Sim decided to help Aik and his family.
“I promised to help Aik complete all applications and then appeal to PERKESO.
“Ministers must also follow the procedures and regulations.”
Sim said he visited Aik yesterday with Paya Terubong assemblyman Wong Hon Wai, a councillor representing Bukit Gelugor MP Ramkarpal Singh, the village community management council and the Penang PERKESO branch.
“I handed over a cheque for RM9,100 to Aik and PERKESO will handle his other benefits.”
Sim assured Aik that Perkesowould support his rehabilitation and MyFutureJobs would assist in finding new employment once he recovers.
“While chatting with Aik, I also told him that it was fortunate that he was on his way home from work, therefore his case was classified as a workplace incident, which qualifies for coverage.”
Sim said this can happen to any Malaysian who faces an accident while returning home from work.
“Social protection systems must follow the reality of life, and not be limited to regulations on paper, which do not reflect the real world.”
Sim said the Employees’ Social Security (Amendment) Bill 2025 will be tabled next at the Senate on Wednesday.
“I hope this Bill will be passed and implemented as soon as possible so that more workers can benefit from it,” he added.
