KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysians working abroad will receive expanded Social Security Organisation (PERKESO) protection under proposed amendments to the Self-Employment Social Security Act to be tabled at the next Dewan Rakyat meeting.
Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan (pic) said the expanded protection, which will first begin for workers in Singapore, was necessary to safeguard the welfare and safety of Malaysians employed overseas.
“Last year alone, there were 54 fatal accidents involving Malaysians travelling to work.
“These are fellow Malaysians and they deserve fair protection just like everyone else,” he said during a workplace health and safety celebration here yesterday.
Ramanan said the scheme had been carefully planned.
“PERKESO has had this scheme in mind for a long time.
“Earlier attempts to introduce it were difficult, but after improvements, it has now been approved.”
Speaking on workplace well-being, he stressed that psychosocial issues and mental health concerns at work could no longer be ignored.
“I know, even when we go home, we are still getting messages from our bosses,” he quipped.
“When I get home, even at one or two in the morning, I still receive messages about work,” he added, drawing laughter from the crowd.
He said the theme for this year’s World Day for Safety and Health at Work, which focuses on ensuring a healthy psychosocial environment, reflected modern workplace challenges.
Employers, he said, had been given guidelines through the ministry and related agencies to ensure safer and healthier workplace environments.
He also announced a collaboration between the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health and Tun Razak Exchange involving the construction sector and compliance monitoring under the Construction Industry Regulations 2024.
Ramanan said workplace safety education and emergency briefings should become standard practice at all programmes and events.
“People need to know where the exits are and what to do during emergencies, especially in unfamiliar buildings or venues,” he said.
