KUALA LUMPUR – The Human Resources Ministry (KESUMA) has officially launched its road-to-Labour Day programme, “Bicara dan Perkongsian, Menelusuri 1 Mei 2026: Pekerja Kesuma Bangsa,” alongside a proposal to introduce a maternity leave assistance allowance for over 100,000 expectant mothers nationwide.
Officiating the dialogue session, Kesuma Minister Datuk Seri Ramanan Ramakrishnan said he has instructed the Social Security Organisation (Perkeso) to refine the scheme, describing it as a key recognition of women’s role as major drivers of the national economy.
The proposed allowance is intended to complement the existing 98 days of paid maternity leave mandated under the Employment Act 1955.
The programme, which serves as a strategic platform to align government policy with workers’ needs, also provided an update on the national Work-From-Home (WFH) policy.
Ramanan confirmed that guidelines for the public sector and Government-Linked Companies (GLCs) are expected to be announced soon by Chief Secretary to the Government, Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar.
“The rollout will be phased, with initial implementation likely in areas such as the Klang Valley, Penang, Johor and Kuching,” he told reporters after officiating the event.
The policy, set to take effect on April 15, follows a directive from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim aimed at addressing the global energy crisis and reducing national fuel consumption.
Beyond domestic measures, the minister revealed that Kesuma is in the final stages of introducing a Traveller Scheme under Perkeso.
The initiative aims to provide social security protection for more than 500,000 Malaysians who commute daily to Singapore for work.
“We cannot let them walk alone without protection,” he said.
The “Pekerja Kesuma Bangsa” programme will tour nationwide, with stops in Selangor, Perak, Johor, Terengganu, Sarawak and Sabah, building momentum towards the National Labour Day celebration at Axiata Arena, Bukit Jalil, on May 1.
A range of activities has been planned for the main celebration from May 1 to 3, including a Mega Career and Skills Carnival at Stadium Nasional.
“For us, workers are not just labourers; they are the soul of a country,” Ramanan added, noting that the ongoing dialogue sessions ensure the voices of the Malaysian workforce are reflected in national policy. – April 2, 2026