FMM, UNI-MLC Welcome Amendments To Social Protection Law

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 3 (Bernama) -- The Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM) has welcomed the passing of amendments to the Employees’ Social Security Act 1969 (Act 4) and the Employment Insurance System Act 2017 (Act 800), describing it as a significant step forward in strengthening Malaysia’s social protection framework.

FMM president Tan Sri Soh Thian Lai said that the introduction of the Non-Employment Injury Scheme (SKBBK), which provides 24-hour nationwide protection to more than 9.6 million workers including foreign employees, marks a major reform addressing long-standing gaps involving off-duty accidents.

“The reforms must be implemented transparently and with clear operational guidance for employers.” he said in a statement today.

Yesterday, the Dewan Rakyat passed the Employees’ Social Security (Amendment) Bill 2025, which introduces the Lindung 24/7 protection scheme to ensure employees receive comprehensive coverage at all times, including outside working hours.

Human Resources Minister Steven Sim said that the scheme is expected to benefit nearly 10 million formal workers nationwide.

Parliament also approved the Employment Insurance System (Amendment) Bill 2025, which enhances benefits for Social Security Organisation (Perkeso) contributors who lose their jobs and strengthens the governance of the Employment Insurance System (EIS).

Soh said that the federation supports the broader improvements introduced under the amendments, emphasising that any enhancement of benefits must be accompanied by prudent financial management, regular reviews of fund utilisation and continuous engagement with employers to ensure long-term sustainability.

He added that FMM also welcomes the strengthened EIS benefits, including higher Early Re-Employment Allowance, increased in training fee ceilings, improved training allowances and Mobility Assistance Allowance, noting that these measures further reinforce Malaysia’s Active Labour Market Policies (ALMP).

Soh said that the amendments reflect the government’s commitment to strengthening worker protection and enhancing labour-market resilience, adding that transparent implementation and strong governance will help cultivate a more confident and productive workforce.

Meanwhile, UNI-Malaysia Labour Centre (UNI-MLC) president Datuk Mohamed Shafie BP Mammal also voiced full support for the amendments to Act 4 and Act 800, describing them as marking a new phase in the MADANI Government’s efforts to strengthen the nation’s social protection network.

“This reform is a timely and appropriate step to ensure that workers who lose their jobs receive more sustainable assistance and training,” he said in a statement today, while expressing appreciation to Sim for his commitment in advancing the amendments to Act 800.

-- BERNAMA