THE government’s new 24-hour social protection plan is a step in the right direction.
Extending coverage beyond office hours acknowledges a simple truth: accidents do not follow work schedules.
What is crucial, however, is that this protection must include migrant workers, gig workers and those in the informal sector. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Human Resources Minister Steven Sim must ensure that no one is left behind.
Benefits must also be made portable across borders. Migrant workers who build Malaysia deserve protection not only at their place of work, but their families must be able to access survivors’ benefits and invalidity pensions when tragedy strikes.
The success of the scheme will hinge on how accessible claims processes and enforcement prove to be. Digital tools are welcome, but they must be user-friendly, multilingual and backed by offline assistance.
Without clear reporting channels and penalties for non-compliance, this initiative risks becoming lip service.
We must get this right from day one. One injury can push a B40 family into poverty within weeks.
That is why unions, migrant worker groups, women’s organisations, disability advocates, occupational safety experts and community clinics must be part of the policy design. Only then can we close the gaps and ensure no one falls through the cracks. — September 30, 2025
Charles Santiago is former Klang MP