KUALA LUMPUR – The government is set to extend protection under the Social Security Organisation (Perkeso) to Malaysians working abroad through amendments to the Self-Employment Social Security Act 2017, expected to be tabled in the upcoming Parliamentary session.
Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri Ramanan Ramakrishnan said the proposed amendments will first require Cabinet approval before being brought to Parliament. If passed, the law is expected to be enforced within the year.
“The Deputy Minister and I will table the Bill after Cabinet approval, and it will be enforced this year once passed, as the safety and health of workers cannot be neglected,” he told reporters after launching the National-Level World Day for Safety and Health at Work 2026 celebration.
Also present was Deputy Human Resources Minister Datuk Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan.
Ramanan said the initiative is aimed at protecting the welfare of Malaysians earning a living overseas, particularly those working in neighbouring countries such as Singapore.
He noted that an estimated 480,000 Malaysians commute daily to Singapore for work, with 54 fatal accidents involving these workers recorded last year.
“They deserve the same level of social protection as workers in Malaysia,” he said, adding that the scheme has been designed with safeguards to prevent misuse, supported by a clear implementation framework by Perkeso.
At the same event, the ministry also launched the 2026 edition of the Guidelines for Occupational Safety and Health Regulations (Construction Work) (Design and Management), aimed at strengthening safety standards in the construction sector.
Khairul Firdaus said the updated guidelines go beyond physical safety by placing greater emphasis on psychological well-being in one of the country’s highest-risk industries.
“While workplace safety has long been emphasised, issues such as depression, bullying, and mental health are often overlooked.
“This year’s theme, ‘Together to Ensure a Healthy Psychosocial Work Environment’, aims to address these challenges more comprehensively,” he said.
He added that employers, including those in the gig economy, will continue to receive guidance, briefings, and support services from the ministry to promote safer and healthier workplaces nationwide. – May 3, 2026