Kuala lumpur: The government, through the Ministry of Finance (MOF), approved a grant of RM15.77 million to the Malaysian Human Rights Commission (SUHAKAM) in 2025 to cover operational expenses, an increase of RM2.2 million compared to RM13.55 million in 2024.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Deputy Finance Minister Liew Chin Tong stated that the grant also includes the operational expenses of the Office of the Children's Commissioner (OCC). For the grants approved in 2024, the operational expenses included the commissioner's fixed allowance, emoluments, operational costs such as rent and utilities, as well as the implementation of SUHAKAM's annual programmes and activities.
"The awarding of the grant is based on the Budget 2024 review session, the spending performance of SUHAKAM, and the government's financial capability at that time. Since its establishment, the government has never failed to provide funding for SUHAKAM," Liew said during the debate on the motion of the SUHAKAM 2024 Annual Report and Financial Statement for the MOF in the Dewan Rakyat.
In response to Cha Kee Hin's (PH-Rasah) inquiry regarding the financial allocation for the OCC in 2025, Liew provided clarity on the funding provisions. Additionally, in addressing questions from Datuk Idris Ahmad (PN-Bagan Serai) and Roslan Hashim (PN-Kulim Bandar Baharu) about social protection and retirement guarantees for workers in the informal sector and gig economy, Liew mentioned the continuation of the i-Saraan programme via the Budget 2026.
He explained that the programme is designed to encourage workers in the informal sector to voluntarily contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF). The government offers a matching incentive at a rate of 20 per cent of the individual's annual contribution, up to a maximum of RM500 per year or RM5,000 over a lifetime, in accordance with the stipulated terms and conditions.
Liew further announced that starting in 2026, the EPF will introduce the i-Saraan Plus programme, specifically targeting platform-based e-hailing and p-hailing workers. This initiative allows the relevant group to receive a government matching incentive of up to RM600 per year or RM6,000 over their lifetime, subject to the terms and conditions set.
At the same time, Liew noted that the government, through the EPF, is exploring more suitable mechanisms to expand contribution coverage to workers in the informal sector and gig economy. This measure aims to ensure that more workers in the sector receive better social protection and have sufficient retirement savings to guarantee their future well-being.