MTUC Urges Swift Approval Of Employees’ Social Security Bill

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 30 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC) has urged that the Employees’ Social Security (Amendment) Bill 2025, which seeks to expand social security protection to employees involved in non-work-related accidents outside office hours to be passed without delay.

MTUC president Datuk Abdul Halim Mansor also called for the implementation of the bill, tabled for first reading in the Dewan Rakyat today, to be closely monitored without bureaucratic hurdles, with the participation of trade unions.

He also urged the government to recognise it as a fundamental right of workers, rather than an option or additional benefit.

“MTUC also urges the government to set an official enforcement date and introduce a simple registration mechanism to ensure that no eligible worker is left out.

“At the same time, bureaucratic issues must be minimised, and the claims process should be transparent, swift, and prioritise the workers’ interests,” he said in a statement.

Abdul Halim said the initiative by the Human Resources Ministry (KESUMA) is a significant step forward in strengthening the country’s social protection network.

“The tabling of the bill was the result of MTUC’s decade-long advocacy efforts, proving that the collective demands of trade unions have gained the government’s attention.

“The first reading today also demonstrates that KESUMA listens to the grievances and voices of workers. It also reflects the ministry’s commitment to building a fairer and more comprehensive social protection system for the workers’ families,” he said.

Abdul Halim added that MTUC has agreed to engage in discussions to determine its implementation and the best contribution mechanism, taking into account the shared interests of the Social Security Organisation (SOCSO) and workers, so that the bill’s enforcement does not burden the workers’ income.

He said MTUC remains committed to working closely with KESUMA, SOCSO, and all stakeholders to ensure that every worker in Malaysia receives 24-hour protection, both during and outside working hours.

The Employees’ Social Security (Amendment) Bill 2025 was tabled for the first reading today by Human Resources Minister Steven Sim, with the second reading scheduled to take place during the current sitting.

-- BERNAMA