KUALA LUMPUR – As Malaysians marked Labour Day today, the government’s latest announcements for workers were described as a clear sign of meaningful reform aimed at strengthening social protection, improving employability and helping rakyat navigate growing economic challenges.
PKR Deputy Secretary-General, Sivamalar Genapathy said the initiatives announced by Prime Minister, Anwar Ibrahim under the theme “Pekerja Madani, Kesuma Bangsa” reflected a more comprehensive and people-focused approach towards labour reform.
Among the key initiatives announced was the introduction of the Post-Maternity Leave Allowance (EPCB) under the Employment Insurance System Act 2017.
She said the initiative would provide women with an additional 30 days of leave after the existing 98-day maternity leave period with 80 per cent salary payment.
“This initiative is expected to benefit more than 132,000 women while also helping to increase female labour force participation, which currently stands at around 56 per cent,” she said in a statement today.
Sivamalar also welcomed the government’s move to extend PERKESO protection overseas beginning with Malaysian workers in Singapore.
According to her, the move would involve up to 480,000 Malaysians and was important in ensuring continued social security protection for cross-border workers.
She said the RM710 million Economic Resilience Package 2026 (PACE) further demonstrated the government’s commitment to protecting jobs and supporting industries facing economic headwinds.
The package focuses on job protection, employability enhancement, skills training, support for gig workers and the development of young talent.
Sivamalar also described the enforcement of the Gig Workers Act 2025 as a significant step towards protecting more than 1.64 million gig workers through a clearer legal framework and tribunal mechanism.
“In the face of growing global economic challenges, market pressures are expected to be felt more strongly by the people in the coming weeks.
“That is why these measures are important as an early intervention to help reduce the burden on rakyat and strengthen economic security,” she said.
She added that the government’s approach showed it was not merely making announcements, but implementing practical policies with clear direction and direct impact on workers and the country’s economy. -MalayaDailyToday
