KUALA LUMPUR: A proposed Traveller Scheme to protect more than 400,000 Malaysians commuting daily to work in Singapore is among the key initiatives to be rolled out soon, says Datuk Seri R. Ramanan (pic).
The Human Resources Minister said the scheme, under the Social Security Organisation (PERKESO), is currently in its final stages.
“The ministry is also exploring efforts to extend social protection to mothers, particularly through enhanced maternity support, as part of strengthening the country’s social safety net.
“Every policy implemented must have direct impact on the people, particularly in strengthening social protection, skills development and worker welfare,” he said in a Facebook post yesterday.
Marking his first 100 days in office, Ramanan said the ministry prioritises comprehensive, long-term measures rather than short-term solutions.
One of its major milestones, he said, is the implementation of the 24/7 Protection Scheme under PERKESO to benefit nearly 10 million formal workers nationwide.
To further empower the workforce, he added that the ministry has rolled out several initiatives, including free occupational safety and health training for 10,000 tourism sector workers in conjunction with Visit Malaysia 2026, as well as upskilling and reskilling programmes benefiting 90,000 individuals.
“In addition, job placement efforts targeting 5,000 armed forces veterans have been carried out through collaboration between PERKESO, the armed forces, the Malaysian Armed Forces Veterans Affairs Department and Ex-Servicemen Affairs Corporation,” he said.
Ramanan also lauded the RM100mil allocation announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to finance skills training for gig workers.
Ramanan said the ministry is also implementing the Vetri Madani 2026 programme focusing on the B40 community in areas such as technical skills, artificial intelligence and engineering to improve employability and income levels.
He said the achievements in the first 100 days were the result of collective effort, adding that the ministry remains committed to ensuring no Malaysian is left behind in the country’s development.
“This is just the beginning,” he said, pledging continued efforts to build a workforce that is strong, inclusive and competitive.
