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Malaysia to introduce round-the-clock protection scheme for workers

PM Anwar also said Malaysia is embedding digital systems so that the vulnerable, no matter how remote, are not left out of protection. He said a nation’s true prospe­rity is measured not by skyscrapers or GDP, but by the quality of life of its citizens.

Tarrance Tan

Tarrance Tan

The Star

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Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (third right) sharing a light moment with recipient of Social Security Organisation (Socso) contributions S. Pravinkumar (fourth right), 26, as International Social Security Association (ISSA) president Datuk Seri Dr Mohammed Azman Aziz Mohammed (left), Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi (second right) and Human Resources Minister Steven Sim (right) looks on during the tour to the booths after the launching of World Social Security Forum at Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre on Monday. PHOTO: THE STAR

September 30, 2025

KUALA LUMPUR – A non-­employment injury scheme will be introduced to ensure that workers are protected beyond regular office hours, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

He said this scheme is necessary as work pressures do not stop at the factory gate or the office door.

“In an age of flexible and remote arrangements, this reform will align protection with the reali­ties of how people live and work today.

“Crucially, it will extend cove­rage around the clock, recogni­sing that accidents and injuries do not keep to a timetable,” he said in his opening remarks at the World Social Security Forum (WSSF).

In February, Human Resources Minister Steven Sim announced that a scheme would be introduced to ensure all workers, including those in the gig economy and freelancers, will have 24-hour social security protection.

According to records, non-­workplace accidents totalled 85,529 cases as of last year.

Anwar also said that Malaysia is preparing for an ageing society, where by 2030, one in seven Ma­­lay­sians will be over the age of 60.

“This will change the shape of our society in profound ways, and we must be ready for it.

“Senior citizens carry wisdom and skill. Our task is to provide care where it is needed, but also enable continued contribution so that ageing is seen as a stage of dignity and possibility,” he added.

At the same time, Anwar said Malaysia is embedding digital systems so that the vulnerable, no matter how remote, are not left out of protection.

He said a nation’s true prospe­rity is measured not by skyscrapers or GDP, but by the quality of life of its citizens.

He said it is important for social security to be part of the global ecosystem.

“If capital can cross continents in search of profit, then a measure of solidarity, too, must cross borders in the name of justice.

“Our responsibility is to ensure that social protection keeps pace with the world we live in and the world our children will inherit,” added Anwar.

The WSSF 2025 is the world’s largest gathering on social protection, involving about 2,000 parti­cipants from 133 countries.

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