GENEVA, June 9 — Malaysia highlighted its latest social protection reforms during a courtesy visit to the International Social Security Association (ISSA) in Geneva, Switzerland, led by Human Resources Minister, Datuk Seri R. Ramanan.
Ramanan headed the Malaysian delegation in a meeting with ISSA President, Dato’ Sri Dr. Mohammed Azman Aziz Mohammed, alongside ISSA’s leadership and representatives, where discussions focused on strengthening social welfare, worker protection and social security systems.
During the meeting, Ramanan shared the MADANI Government’s key achievements and legislative reforms aimed at enhancing the welfare and well-being of Malaysian workers.
Among the initiatives highlighted was the implementation of the Gig Workers Act 2025, which came into force on March 31, 2026. The legislation is expected to provide stronger rights and round-the-clock protection for more than 1.6 million gig workers in line with the evolving nature of the workforce.
Ramanan also outlined the introduction of the 24-Hour Protection Scheme (Skim Lindung 24 Jam), which took effect on June 1, 2026. The scheme extends comprehensive social security coverage to more than nine million workers nationwide, regardless of when or where an accident occurs, including incidents outside working hours.
He reaffirmed Malaysia’s commitment under the leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to continuously strengthen the country’s social protection framework, making it more inclusive, sustainable and responsive to the needs of today’s workforce.
Ramanan said the government remains committed to ensuring that every reform balances worker welfare with employer competitiveness, while supporting long-term economic growth.
The visit also provided an opportunity for Malaysia and ISSA to exchange views and best practices in social security administration, further strengthening strategic cooperation and advancing social protection initiatives at the international level.
Also present at the meeting were ISSA Secretary General Marcelo Abi-Ramia Caetano, ISSA Bureau Chairperson Fabian Pilzecker, ISSA Director for Governance, Relations and Regions Jens Schremmer, ISSA Regional Coordinator for Asia and the Pacific Indrajid Nurmukti, Special Officer to the ISSA President Mas Ari Amry A. Rahman, and Special Officer to the ISSA Bureau Chairperson Katharina Kirn.
— MINUTESMY
— SOURCE: FB RAMANAN RAMAKRISHNAN
