Malaysia: Malaysia has made significant progress in strengthening workers’ welfare and labour rights over the past year, with the national unemployment rate dropping to a 10-year low of 3.1 per cent, Human Resources Minister Steven Sim said. Speaking at the APEC Human Resources Ministerial Meeting (HRDMM) in Jeju, Korea, Sim highlighted several key reforms, including a 13 per cent increase in the national minimum wage and a 20 per cent boost in social security benefits for workers.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the reforms have extended full social security protection, previously only enjoyed by Malaysian citizens, to foreign workers. Additionally, Malaysia has legislated the International Labour Organization Convention 155 on occupational safety and health after 43 years, reduced restrictions on the establishment of labour unions, and allocated up to RM10 billion for education and training schemes.

Sim noted the increase in women’s workforce participation and coverage of homemakers under social security insurance for care work at home. For the first time, the median wage in Malaysia has surpassed the RM3,000 threshold, marking a significant milestone for wage growth in the country.

Reflecting on the post-pandemic context, Sim emphasized the dual importance of life and livelihood, suggesting that the COVID-19 crisis underscored the principle that “no one is safe until everyone is safe.” He encouraged cooperative efforts, stating that workers’ well-being is a non-negotiable component of government policy.

Sim also announced plans to table a historic Gig Workers Bill in the next parliamentary sitting, aiming to provide better protection and recognition for workers in the gig economy.

Sim is leading the Malaysian delegation to the HRDMM in Jeju, the first meeting in 11 years since the last one in Vietnam in 2014. The ministerial meeting is part of the broader Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Conference, themed ‘Labour Market Sustainability and Future Work’.