Latest news with #MinistryofHumanResources
Borneo Post
3 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Over 800 in Sabah, mainly housewives, to benefit from expanded Socso protection
Sim (fourth left) presenting an SKSPS contribution with Azirruan (second left) to a recipient, while Jannie (third left) looks on. KOTA KINABALU (June 1): More than 800 individuals in Sabah, particularly housewives, can now benefit from social security protection under the Housewives' Social Security Scheme (SKSSR), introduced by the Ministry of Human Resources (Kesuma). Kesuma Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong announced the expanded sponsorship of social security contributions through the 'Socso Lindung Kasih' programme at a hotel here on Saturday, in conjunction with the Kaamatan celebration. Sim revealed that 150 housewives under SKSSR and 50 self-employed individuals under the Self-Employed Social Security Scheme (SKSPS) received contribution sponsorships amounting to RM21,500 during the event. In addition, he announced 600 more SKSSR contribution sponsorships to extend comprehensive social security coverage to more housewives in the state. 'This shows the government's continued commitment to protect housewives from domestic disasters and disabilities while managing the household,' Sim said. The initiative also received support from Kapayan assemblywoman Jannie Lasimbang, who contributed to the programme to ensure broader protection coverage. Sim explained that while SKSSR is tailored for housewives, the SKSPS scheme targets individuals in the informal sector such as micro-entrepreneurs, small traders, farmers, food delivery riders and e-hailing drivers. Contributions under SKSPS can be as low as RM5.80 per month after government subsidies. Sim (centre) in a group photo with recipients at the Socso Lindung Kasih programme. 'If you run your own business, you can also get protection. This scheme is not only for salaried workers, but also for small-time entrepreneurs, which are plentiful in Sabah,' he said. He added that Sabah has the potential to become a national model in expanding the social safety net to rural and indigenous women, supporting the country's goal of protecting 500,000 housewives nationwide. During the event, Sim also presented benefit payments totaling RM66,390 to 13 recipients, covering claims under Act 4 (five recipients), Act 789 (three recipients), and Act 800 (five recipients). He highlighted that many still do not realise housewives are eligible for Socso protection if injured while performing household duties. 'There is no punch-in, punch-out in the life of housewives. They cook, wash and care for their families every day without leave or salary, so they too are 'working' and deserve protection. 'With just RM10 a month or RM120 a year, a husband or family member can contribute on behalf of their wife or mother and ensure lifetime protection,' he said. To ensure information reaches all communities, including remote areas, SKSSR pamphlets have also been published in the Kadazan language, thanks to efforts spearheaded by Jannie. Sim (fourth left) presenting an SKSPS contribution with Azirruan (second left) to Ruzaidie. 'I myself am not fluent in Kadazan, but I know that for people in Sabah to better understand, the materials must be in their language. This initiative will improve awareness and participation among rural and indigenous women,' Sim added. Meanwhile, Sim reminded employers that Saturday marked the final day of Socso's 'whitening month,' a campaign that saved employers up to RM100 million while protecting over one million workers nationwide. 'The whitewashing period ends today, and I urge all employers to stay committed to making contributions for their workers. This is a social responsibility that cannot be ignored,' he stressed. He also encouraged employees to download the Socso Prihatin app to check whether their employers are making the required contributions, ensuring their rights are safeguarded. 'This programme is part of a corporate social responsibility initiative that reflects the government's concern for all layers of society in Sabah, and expands universal social security coverage,' he added. Also present was Socso Deputy Chief Executive Officer (Operations) Azirruan Arifin. KESUMA lead Ministry of Human Resources socso steven sim
The Sun
24-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
KESUMA calls on employers to uphold workers' rights
BUTTERWORTH: Employers, including government agencies, companies, industries, and individuals, have been urged to protect workers' rights and avoid any conduct which may result in exploitation or forced labour. Ministry of Human Resources (KESUMA) deputy secretary-general (Operations) Sutekno Ahmad Belon said that exploitation and forced labour are no longer just labour or legal matters, but global humanitarian issues which every employer must take seriously. 'It also directly affects the country's reputation and international trade relations. For instance, the issuance of Withhold Release Orders (WRO) by the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP), on products linked to forced labour, is a very serious measure. 'Therefore, addressing this issue requires collective effort, and the implementation of the National Action Plan on Forced Labour (NAPFL) 2021-2025, jointly led by the National Strategy Office - Council for Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants (NSO MAPO) and Department of Labour Peninsular Malaysia (JTKSM) - demonstrates the country's unified commitment to eradicating forced labour,' he said. He said this to reporters, after officiating the Prevention of Labour Exploitation: Towards Zero Forced Labour 2030 Seminar, which was attended by more than 300 employers from various sectors, in Penang, today. He added that the one-day seminar aimed to raise awareness on labour issues and forced labour, as well as to strengthen cooperation between the government, industry, and civil society in creating workplaces free from exploitation. He said that the seminar also focused on critical issues such as forced labour, compliance with labour laws, and the challenges faced by industries in ensuring justice and workers' welfare. Sutekno added that there are 11 indicators of forced labour, including workers being confined or restricted, wages being withheld or illegally deducted, workers being threatened, forced to work overtime without pay, and workers not having access to their own documents. Forced labour remains a challenge, because Malaysia, as an active player in global trade, hosts a large number of foreign workers, creating opportunities for exploitation if monitoring is not strict. He noted that Malaysia is currently ranked at Tier 2 in the United States Department of State's 2024 Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report but aims to reach Tier 1 by 2030.
Barnama
23-05-2025
- Business
- Barnama
KESUMA Studying Proposal To Raise Retirement Age
KLANG, May 23 (Bernama) -- The Ministry of Human Resources (Kesuma) is currently reviewing the proposal to raise the mandatory retirement age from 60 to 65, said Minister Steven Sim. He said the matter was being examined by a special committee led by Kesuma's deputy secretary-general (Policy and International) Dr Mohd Shaharin Umar as it involved labour laws which fell under the ministry's purview. He said Kesuma would seek input and feedback from stakeholders, especially the public sector, workers, and employers, during the study to ensure compliance with international best practices. 'This committee will look at the suitability of raising the retirement age in Malaysia as there are pros and cons, along with certain challenges. However, within the ministry, part of labour market reforms involves reviewing all 28 existing labour laws. 'This is because some of these laws are outdated. We will look at ways to refine and harmonise them, and there are also (provisions) that we need to abolish or update,' he said after the central-level 2025 Union Affairs Development Grant (PHEKS) handover ceremony here today. Yesterday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the proposal to raise the mandatory retirement age from 60 to 65 was among the issues requiring attention and careful consideration. Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said had previously proposed that the government consider raising the mandatory retirement age from 60 to 65. Azalina, who made the suggestion in her personal capacity, said it would be a loss for individuals to retire at 60 when they were still energetic, productive and capable of contributing to the workforce. Regarding today's event, Sim said the government had allocated a total of RM10 million this year, up from RM5.8 million in 2024, marking the highest amount in the history of PHEKS implementation.
Barnama
22-05-2025
- Business
- Barnama
Bridging Talent, Building ASEAN Through AYOS 2025
KUALA LUMPUR, May 22 (Bernama) -- The ASEAN Year of Skills (AYOS) 2025, launched under Malaysia's ASEAN Chairmanship, aims to bridge talent gaps across member states to create a more agile and competitive regional workforce. Led by the Ministry of Human Resources through the Human Resource Development Corporation (HRD Corp), AYOS 2025 carries the theme 'Bridging Talent, Building ASEAN', underscoring the urgent need to connect skills and opportunities among ASEAN nations. 'This year-long initiative aims to unlock the full potential of the ASEAN workforce and propel regional talent development to new heights,' said HRD Corp in a statement today. It said the initiative seeks to address five key objectives, such as bridging skills gaps across member states, promoting talent mobility to enhance workforce agility and ensuring inclusive growth that uplifts all communities. It also aims to strengthen regional collaboration for shared prosperity and to enhance public-private partnerships to future-proof the workforce. Launched on April 14 at the Connexion Conference & Event Centre (Nexus), Bangsar South here, AYOS 2025 is supported by key regional partners, including the International Labour Organisation and the ASEAN Secretariat. According to the statement, the initiative underscores the importance of collective action among member states to tackle regional inequalities, unlock youth potential and enhance workforce resilience. Throughout the year, AYOS 2025 will feature seven flagship events to drive collaboration and innovation, including the ASEAN Human Capital Development Investment Symposium (AHCDIS), National Training Week, ASEAN Training Market Conference, ASEAN TVET Conference, National Human Capital Conference & Exhibition 2025, Global Skills Forum and the ASEAN Forum of Manpower Ministers for Human Capital Development. Meanwhile, at the national level, each ASEAN member state is supported by dedicated National Coordinators and Ambassadors who act as the primary liaisons within their countries.
Bloomberg
15-05-2025
- Business
- Bloomberg
Malaysia Asks Bangladesh to Withdraw Migrant Labor Probes
The Malaysian government has asked Bangladesh to review and withdraw 'unsubstantiated allegations' of wrongdoing in labor migration between the two countries to improve Malaysia's rating in an annual US report on human trafficking. 'Allegations of human trafficking and money laundering — largely unsubstantiated — have impacted the Malaysian reputation,' Azman Mohd Yusof, secretary-general of the nation's Ministry of Human Resources, wrote in a letter dated April 23.
