Geneva: The Malaysian government under the leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim remains committed to strengthening the country's social protection system to ensure it is more inclusive, sustainable, and responsive to the evolving needs of today's workforce. Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan emphasized this commitment during a courtesy call by the Malaysian delegation on the President of the International Social Security Association (ISSA), Datuk Seri Dr Mohammed Azman Aziz Mohammed, in Geneva, Switzerland.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the government is determined to ensure that every reform introduced strikes a balance between safeguarding workers' welfare and maintaining employers' competitiveness to support sustainable economic growth. Ramanan highlighted various achievements and legal reforms implemented by the MADANI Government to strengthen the welfare, social protection, and well-being of workers in Malaysia. Among the key initiatives discussed was the implementation of the Gig Workers Act 2025, effective from March 31, 2026, aimed at ensuring more than 1.6 million gig workers enjoy greater protection and guaranteed rights in line with the changing nature of work.
Ramanan also outlined the implementation of the Non-Work Accident Scheme, known as LINDUNG24, which took effect on June 1. The scheme provides comprehensive social security coverage to over nine million workers nationwide, regardless of when or where an accident occurs, including incidents outside working hours. Introduced through amendments to the Employees' Social Security Act 1969, the LINDUNG24 Scheme expands Malaysia's social security safety net by extending protection to workers beyond the workplace, including during weekends and public holidays.
Meanwhile, Ramanan noted that the visit offered an opportunity for Malaysia and ISSA to exchange views and share best practices in social security administration, further strengthening strategic cooperation in advancing social protection at both national and international levels. Also present during the meeting were ISSA Secretary-General Marcelo Abi-Ramia Caetano, Chairman of the ISSA Supervisory Commission Fabian Pilzecker, and ISSA Director of Governance, Relations and Regions Jens Schremmer. Others included ISSA Regional Coordinator for Asia and the Pacific Indrajid Nurmukti, the Special Officer to the ISSA President Mas Ari Amry A. Rahman, and the Special Officer to the Chairman of the ISSA Supervisory Commission Katharina Kirn.