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Malaysian Reserve
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Malaysian Reserve
Harmony runs in the family
A blend of classic ballads and jazz-infused vocals by mother-daughter duo by AKMAR ANNUAR AFTER decades of building their own distinct musical paths, Salamiah Hassan and her daughter Atilia Haron will share the same stage for the first time in a full-length concert this August. Titled Konsert Gelombang Bahagiaku, the show is set to take place on August 16 at the Plenary Theatre, Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC). It is presented by Mujik Wand Production and marks a rare intergenerational collaboration between two singers whose voices have defined different eras of Malaysian music. While Salamiah is celebrating her 55th year in the industry with a legacy-themed series, this concert is especially significant as it features her daughter not just as a guest, but as an equal. 'This is the first time Atilia and I are sharing a large-scale stage and I'm so grateful for this opportunity,' Salamiah said at the press conference. Atilia, who has long credited her mother as her greatest musical influence, described the concert as a personal milestone. Having grown up watching Salamiah perform, she now sees this collaboration as a way to honour their bond not just as artists, but as mother and daughter. Audiences can expect a blend of their respective styles — Salamiah's classic ballads and Atilia's jazz-infused vocals — brought together in carefully arranged duets and solo segments. Central to the evening is the premiere of a new song, Age Is Just A Number, written as their first official duet. 'This song is a reflection of both of us — two independent women doing what we love with heart and a positive spirit,' said Atilia, who views the track as a statement on defying expectations across generations. The performance will also serve as a live expression of familial intimacy, with the duo sharing stories and harmonies on stage. For Atilia, the most meaningful moment will be singing directly to her mother, something she hopes will resonate with audiences on a deeper level. While the concert promises warmth and nostalgia, its journey to production was far from effortless. Without major sponsorship or corporate backers, much of the groundwork was done independently. Atilia said the show came together thanks to a tight-knit circle of supporters who shared their belief in the idea. 'We only did what was necessary, supported by our friends. Alhamdulillah, there were people who believed and were willing to help,' she said. In a market saturated with high-concept shows and commercially driven events, Konsert Gelombang Bahagiaku stands apart as a personal project shaped by emotional ties and a shared artistic legacy. It is not positioned as a grand farewell or comeback, but as a singular evening that reflects two lives lived through song. Tickets go on sale on May 13 at 10am via Prices are RM350 for Platinum, RM250 for Gold, and RM150 for Silver. This article first appeared in The Malaysian Reserve weekly print edition
Malaysian Reserve
27-05-2025
- Health
- Malaysian Reserve
Perkeso elevating prevention, rehab and job reintegration as Malaysia ages
Its strategic shift from compensation-based support to prevention and rehabilitation marks a significant evolution in its mandate by AKMAR ANNUAR THE Social Security Organisation (Perkeso) is expanding its role beyond traditional social protection to address the complex needs of older Malaysians as the country prepares to enter aged nation status by 2030. With rising life expectancy and a growing elderly population, Perkeso's strategic shift from compensation-based support to prevention and rehabilitation marks a significant evolution in its mandate. CEO Datuk Seri Dr Mohammed Azman Aziz Mohammed firmly believes that prevention should come before rehabilitation, and rehabilitation should come before compensation. 'The organisation is committed to building an inclusive, future-ready protection system that evolves with the country's demographic realities,' he told The Malaysian Reserve (TMR). Malaysia is expected to become an aged nation in just five years, with 14% of its population aged 65 and above. The looming 'silver tsunami' has long been anticipated, prompting Perkeso to roll out targeted initiatives over the past decade. The organisation is committed to building an inclusive, future-ready protection system, says Dr Mohammed Azman (pic: MEDIA MULIA) Early Detection One of its earliest measures was the Health Screening Programme (HSP), launched in 2013 to detect chronic illnesses early among insured persons aged 40 and above. The HSP includes physical examinations, blood and urine tests, pap smears and mammograms for women, and mental health screening. As of April 19 this year, 883,521 individuals had benefitted from the programme. Dr Mohammed Azman said the initiative helps lower long-term healthcare costs and reduces disability risks by ensuring timely treatment and promoting healthy ageing. Private sector workers under 60 are statutorily covered under the Employment Injury Scheme and the Invalidity Pension Scheme, as provided by the Employees' Social Security Act 1969 (Act 4). Those who continue working after 60 are still required to contribute to the Employ- ment Injury Scheme, with employers contributing 1.25% of monthly wages. As of March 2025, there were 342,887 active contributors aged 60 and above under Act 4. Meanwhile, self-employed and informal sector workers are covered under the Self-Employment Social Security Act 2017 (Act 789). This includes gig workers such as e-hailing drivers, delivery riders and, since January this year, hawkers and petty traders. Self-employed workers, including hawkers and petty traders, are covered under Self-Employment Social Security Act 2017 (Act 789) (pic: TMRpic) A total of 103,833 self-employed persons aged 60 and above are now actively covered under Act 789. Perkeso also supports job-matching and reintegration through its MyFutureJobs portal, which offers career fairs, placement programmes and upskilling opportunities. To date, 15,553 older workers from this group have been successfully placed into employment. Recent figures also show a steady increase in payouts to older contributors, reflecting rising demand for support. Under Act 4, a total of 11,437 beneficiaries aged 60 and above were recorded in 2023, followed by 9,951 in 2024 and 2,376 in the first quarter of 2025. Under Act 789, Perkeso registered 511 beneficiaries in 2023; 767 in 2024 and 237 in the first quarter of this year. Dr Mohammed Azman elaborated that Perkeso's actuarial models now account for age-specific incidence of illness, injury and disability to better estimate future liabilities. He explained that the agency is reviewing eligibility conditions, contribution rules and benefit scope to reflect the realities of a greying workforce. To manage costs, Perkeso now operates 5 of its own dialysis centres, reducing reliance on over 800 third-party providers Managing Cost One of Perkeso's biggest sustainability concerns is rising medical inflation, especially as non-communicable diseases (NCDs) increase. In 2023, 29,310 insured persons were diagnosed with NCDs, a 26.5% increase from 23,174 in 2022. Perkeso has also borne the full cost of dialysis for insured individuals with end-stage kidney failure since 1999. What began as an RM1.12 million expenditure has grown to RM350 million annually. To manage costs, Perkeso now operates five of its own dialysis centres — in Klang and Shah Alam, Selangor; Kluang and Batu Pahat, Johor; and Kuala Lumpur (KL) — reducing reliance on over 800 third-party providers. Dr Mohammed Azman noted that gradual policy shifts are being considered to ensure social protection remains financially viable while meeting the health needs of a longer-living population. He added that protecting income alone is no longer sufficient — the goal is income sustainability and re-employment where possible. Perkeso Return-to-Work (RTW) programme continues to play a critical role in rehabilitating injured and disabled workers. Since 2020, 3,214 workers aged 60 and above have been referred to the programme. Of that total, 1,957 (61%) have successfully rejoined the workforce. A majority (78%) were reinstated into their pre-injury roles, while 15% started microenterprises supported by Perkeso's capital grants and advisory services. Industries with the highest RTW placements among older workers include manufacturing (21%), wholesale and retail (18%), and transport and storage (11%). In terms of job retention, 92% of cases successfully remained employed at their workplaces for a period of three months or above. To improve outcomes, Perkeso has introduced geriatric-informed case management. These plans incorporate physical, cognitive and psychological assessments and are administered by trained Disability Management Officers. Wellness modules and preventive screenings are also embedded in the rehabilitation journey. Additionally, Perkeso is formalising flexible reintegration pathways, allowing elderly workers to return on a part-time or phased basis in collaboration with employers. The agency offers mini-grants, ergonomic audits, workplace modifications and job coaching to support these transitions. It works with age-friendly employers and Human Resource Development Corp (HRDCorp) to develop training in digital literacy, modified-duty skills and entrepreneurship. To monitor the results of these reintegration and shape future policies, a centralised outcomes dashboard is being built. Despite these efforts, awareness and participation among informal and elderly workers remain low. Many senior citizens are still working in sectors such as agriculture but are not aware of their eligibility to be protected Lack of Awareness Universiti Malaya Social Wellbeing Research Centre director Prof Emer Datuk Norma Mansor said that only 26% of the estimated 1.1 million informal workers are contributing to Perkeso. 'The lack of awareness and the voluntary nature of these schemes are major hurdles,' she told TMR. She said a recent survey conducted by her centre found that 30% of Malaysians aged between 60 and 69 are still working, along with 16% of those aged between 70 and 79 and 4.5% of those over 80. Many of them are in agriculture, forestry and informal services. Yet, she said, they are not aware of their eligibility to be protected. Norma acknowledged Perkeso's outreach efforts, including public expos and campaigns, but noted that awareness gaps persist even among community leaders. 'Some community heads I spoke to did not even know elderly informal workers could enrol, and that is a problem,' she disclosed. She said while Malaysia's universal healthcare system is praiseworthy, public long-term care services remain minimal. 'Most long-term care is family-provided. We have very little institutional support or public spending in this space,' she added. Norma said Malaysia also lacks insurance options for long-term care, which leaves the elderly exposed. She explained that most private insurance policies either become void or require prohibitively high premiums once individuals reach a certain age, effectively leaving low-income elderly people without any form of financial protection. She proposed a mandatory contribution model for all working Malaysians into a national social protection fund. 'It could be small contributions — perhaps subsidised or paid by family members — but everyone should be included,' she said. Norma proposes a mandatory contribution model for all working Malaysians into a national social protection fund Norma warned that as Malaysia ages, the country could face intergenerational poverty and a shrinking workforce if ageing needs are not addressed. She said if the social protection system fails to support older individuals, their adult children may have to leave the workforce to become full-time caregivers, which would result in a significant loss to the economy. Norma called for stronger collaboration between Perkeso and the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) to create a more sustainable model. 'Perkeso should handle protection against illness and injury, while EPF ensures retirement income. Together, they can build a more comprehensive net,' she said. Norma also emphasised that Malaysia should benchmark against countries like Australia and New Zealand, where ageing citizens benefit from more structured social and eldercare systems. Malaysia needs a long-term care strategy that combines public funding, community-based care and viable insurance models. 'Currently, it is left to chance. We need a national approach that considers longer lifespans, delayed retirement and chronic care needs,' she said. During the Movement Control Order (MCO), Perkeso stepped in with temporary assistance schemes for retrenched individuals. 'It was during MCO that I truly saw what Perkeso can do. It kept many afloat,' she said. She also highlighted the gap in coverage for informal workers who lack access to the Employment Insurance System (EIS). These workers are highly vulnerable and that it is time to make social protection universal, not segmented. Ageing is also not only a healthcare or welfare issue but one that cuts across economic development and social justice. 'We can no longer afford to think of ageing as a marginal issue. It is now mainstream,' she said. Beneficiaries Retirees and workers interviewed by TMR highlighted the value of Perkeso's schemes. A Komlah, a 49-year-old widow, receives RM2,673 monthly under the Dependant's Benefit scheme after her husband died in a factory accident. Perkeso also covered funeral costs and helped her daughter secure employment via MyFutureJobs. Ahmad Nasrin, a 59-year-old construction worker, was retrained and rehired as a safety supervisor after a spinal injury while former port manager Vijay Nadarajah re-entered the job market after being forcibly retired at 60. 'Sixty is the new 50. We are still capable, but there is little structured help for us,' he said. Currently, Perkeso's invalidity pension is only payable if a person becomes disabled before 60. After that, only employment-related injuries are covered, leaving gaps for age-related illnesses or disabilities post-retirement. Norma said this loophole must be addressed by evolving the legal framework to ensure continuous protection regardless of age. Perkeso has laid a strong foundation, but its role will need to be continuously expanded, reformed and strengthened to meet Malaysia's changing demographic landscape. 'Ageing with dignity means more than surviving. It means being seen, supported and secure,' Norma said. With nearly half a million older workers already under its care, Perkeso is well-positioned to anchor Malaysia's transition into an inclusive and compassionate ageing society. This article first appeared in The Malaysian Reserve weekly print edition
Malaysian Reserve
21-05-2025
- Business
- Malaysian Reserve
Nik Nazmi: Malaysia's green facade risks collapse without climate sincerity
Many companies aim to appear 'green', but insincerity risks losing both consumer trust and young talent by AKMAR ANNUAR GREEN is becoming a fashionable look in Malaysia in recent years. Corporations are launching 'eco-friendly' campaigns, developers are advertising 'sustainable living', and government-linked companies (GLCs) frequently cite environmental, social and governance (ESG) commitments in glossy reports. However, according to Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, much of it is smoke and mirrors. 'Greenwashing is real. You poke the façade, and sometimes, there is nothing behind it,' he told The Malaysian Reserve (TMR). In an interview following the release of his book Saving the Planet: Climate and Environmental Lessons from Malaysia and Beyond, he spoke candidly about the country's climate policies, corporate accountability and the urgent need to align words with action. 'Everyone wants to be seen as 'green' now but we need to measure sincerity. It becomes a a problem if it is just a marketing gimmick. 'And it is not just about losing customers — companies could lose talent, too. The younger generation is watching,' he said. Nik Nazmi warned that performative sustainability is failing the country and its people. At the heart of his concern is what he calls Malaysia's paradox: A country rich in biodiversity but also reliant on emissions-heavy industries, such as palm oil, and oil and gas (O&G), to fuel its development. The challenge, he said, is not choosing between development and sustainability: Instead, it is in making sure one does not undermine the other. Nik Nazmi said as a middle-income country, Malaysians need homes, jobs and food. 'We cannot just shut things down overnight like the developed world wants us to, but we also cannot afford to delay action,' he said. Climate change does not win you elections here. It is not a headline issue like cost of living. But the irony is, these issues are connected. Environmental degradation affects water supply, food security and public health. It is all part of the same ecosystem. — Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad Climate Policy in Motion Nik Nazmi, who has helmed Malaysia's environment portfolio since late 2022, said the government is making structural changes to enforce genuine climate action. Key among them is the upcoming Climate Change Act, scheduled for tabling this year. The law is expected to set out binding commitments for emissions reduction, including mechanisms for large-scale polluters to phase out harmful practices or pay penalties. The government is also introducing a national adaptation plan next year to improve Malaysia's resilience — especially in the face of rising sea levels, extreme weather and biodiversity loss. Last year, the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act was passed in the Parliament, targeting the country's largest energy consumers and mandating efficiency standards that are expected to reduce overall carbon emissions. These efforts are part of the country's commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, although Nik Nazmi admitted that getting there will not be straightforward. In Saving the Planet, Nik Nazmi acknowledges the difficult road ahead, writing that Malaysia's geographic and economic identity places it in a precarious position. 'Malaysia is tropical, middle-income and a megadiverse. That makes us uniquely positioned — and uniquely vulnerable,' he said. With over 4,600km of coastline, the country is already feeling the brunt of the triple planetary crisis — climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss. Annual floods, deadly landslides, extreme heat events and worsening haze are not future risks, but current realities. 'Floods are happening more frequently. Heatwaves are getting worse. Human-wildlife conflict is on the rise. You cannot say this is distant anymore, it is here. And yet, he added, the country's political landscape is still catching up. 'Climate change does not win you elections here. It is not a headline issue like cost of living. But the irony is, these issues are connected. Environmental degradation affects water supply, food security and public health. It is all part of the same ecosystem,' he said. Natural disaster such as deadly landslides are not future risks, but current realities (pic: MEDIA MULIA) Holding Polluters Accountable While Malaysia has signed onto various global climate pacts, enforcement has long been a weak link. Nik Nazmi admitted as much, but shared that his ministry has made progress. 'We have taken illegal water polluters to court and we have also amended the Environmental Quality Act to increase maximum penalties — now up to RM10 million,' he said, but added that going after small factories alone is not enough. Big corporations must also feel the weight of their actions and Malaysia must have the tools to act — not just warnings and fines, but real regulatory frameworks. This also includes ensuring that sustainability disclosures are more than just green-tinted public relations. 'Too often, companies claim they are carbon neutral because they bought offsets. But where is the data? Where is the commitment to reducing emissions at the source?' he asked. Part of the challenge, Nik Nazmi argued, is overcoming the global North-South divide in climate diplomacy. In his book, he criticises the double standards that place disproportionate burdens on developing countries like Malaysia. 'We have only been extracting O&G for 70 years. Meanwhile, countries like the US and the UK have been polluted for over a century. You cannot expect us to stop first,' he said. The same logic applies to Malaysia's palm oil sector, which has long been in the crosshairs of environmental activists. 'Yes, there have been deforestation concerns, but palm oil remains the most efficient vegetable oil in terms of yield. Replacing it with soy or rapeseed will not necessarily help. The key is sustainable certification and regulation — not blanket bans,' he added. On the global stage, Malaysia continues to push for climate justice — the idea that historical polluters should finance and support green transitions in the Global South. This includes engaging with major carbon emitters that have walked away from multilateral commitments. 'We will engage the US regardless of who is in the White House. It has a historical responsibility to lead, not retreat,' Nik Nazmi said. According to Nik Nazmi, our ancestors built stilt houses not just as traditions but as adaptations (source: A Book Between the Noise Amid the policy talk and public duties, Nik Nazmi's decision to publish Saving the Planet — part memoir, part policy reflection — might seem unusual. But for him, it was a conscious move to bridge the gap between public understanding and high-level policymaking. 'It is not a textbook, it is written for the general reader. If we want action, we need awareness, and books are one way to reach people outside press conferences and policy briefings,' he said. In one section, he writes candidly about not being an environmental expert when he first took office. Instead, he leaned on conversations with scientists, civil society groups and communities on the ground. Writing the book was part of his learning process which helped him understand what is at stake. Nik Nazmi also dedicated a chapter to religion and cultural heritage, arguing that sustainability is not a foreign concept but deeply embedded in Malaysia's civilizational values. 'Islam, like many faiths, teaches stewardship. Our ancestors built stilt houses and wore breathable batik for a reason. These are not just traditions — they are adaptations,' he said. What's Next? Despite the legislative progress, Nik Nazmi knows that laws alone will not fix everything. What's needed, he said, is a cultural shift: In business, government and public consciousness. 'It cannot just be about slogans. That era is over. We need to be honest with ourselves — are we serious about change or are we just painting everything green?' he said. As Malaysia moves closer to becoming a high-income nation, Nik Nazmi believes the country has a unique opportunity to lead — not by copying Western models, but by offering one rooted in tropical resilience, social justice and sincerity. 'We will not get everything right but we need to mean what we say, because the planet is watching, and so are our children,' he said. This article first appeared in The Malaysian Reserve weekly print edition
