PETALING JAYA: Malaysia is committed to ensuring that artificial intelligence (AI) serves workers rather than replaces them, says Datuk Seri R. Ramanan.
The Human Resources Minister said AI was not merely a technological revolution, but a social, economic and moral turning point that must remain centred on human dignity and inclusivity.
Speaking at the 114th Session of the International Labour Conference (ILC) on Tuesday (June 9), he said Malaysia firmly believed that the future should not belong solely to algorithms, machines or markets, but to people.
“Malaysia believes AI must serve people, not replace them.
“With a labour force of more than 17 million people, Malaysia’s priority remains clear – to ensure that every worker is equipped and protected to thrive in an AI-driven economy,” he said.
Ramanan said Malaysia had institutionalised AI and digital technology training through the Centre for Instructor and Advanced Skill Training to help workers adapt to changing industry demands.
To encourage greater adoption of AI, particularly among businesses, he said employers would be eligible for an additional 50% tax deduction on eligible AI and cybersecurity training expenses under the MyMahir-National AI Council for Industry ecosystem.
He added that the nationwide Jelajah AI MyMahir programme would also be expanded to boost AI literacy and promote the practical use of the technology among Malaysians.
On employment, Ramanan said the AI-powered MYFutureJobs platform had facilitated 1.49 million job placements since 2020, matching 3.3 million registered jobseekers with 13.4 million vacancies through an extensive skills-based database.
He said Malaysia was also strengthening workers’ rights and industrial justice, with the Industrial Court adopting AI-supported technologies and real-time digital recording systems.
Labour Courts nationwide are also being equipped with similar systems in phases.
At the same time, workplace safety and health remained a priority through the Occupational Safety and Health Master Plan 2026-2030, which addresses emerging risks arising from AI, automation and digitalisation.
Ramanan said Malaysia was equally committed to strengthening social protection, noting that nearly 10 million formal sector workers are now covered under PERKESO’s 24-hour injury protection scheme.
He said the scheme extended protection beyond the workplace for the first time since 1969.
