Putrajaya: The Human Resources Ministry (KESUMA) is preparing to introduce legislation for the Non-Occupational Accident Scheme (SKBBK) within the year, as announced by its minister, Steven Sim. The ministry is currently amending existing laws to facilitate the scheme’s implementation after receiving Cabinet approval last year.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Sim explained that SKBBK has been a topic of discussion for some time, not only by previous governments but also among trade union members who view it as a crucial social security initiative. The scheme is designed to provide protection for employees in instances of accidents occurring outside of working hours, extending beyond workplace incidents.

Earlier this month, KESUMA expressed its intention to roll out SKBBK, aiming to ensure continuous protection for eligible employees throughout their employment. During a coordination meeting today, various human resource issues were addressed, focusing on policies and strategies to enhance wages and social security measures.

Sim highlighted the meeting’s role in improving coordination between federal and state governments in human resource development. Presentations included a National Wage Consultative Council analysis on minimum wage orders and comparisons with progressive wage policies. PERKESO updated attendees on three main schemes: the Self-Employment Social Security Scheme (SKSPS), the Housewives’ Social Security Scheme (SKSSR), and SKBBK.

TalentCorp also presented findings on the effects of artificial intelligence, digitalisation, and the green economy on Malaysia’s labour market. Sim emphasized the importance of state-federal collaboration in workforce management, noting that it is not solely a federal responsibility.

Addressing manpower shortages in state labour departments (JTK), Sim mentioned the ministry’s exploration of restructuring options to maintain service efficiency without increasing staff numbers.