KUALA LUMPUR: Sugar-related ailments, such as diabetes, are costing the Social Security Organisation (PERKESO) about US$100mil (RM421mil) in annual payouts.
The Human Resources Minister highlighted PERKESO’s efforts in actively addressing occupational safety and health matters, with a strong commitment to contributing to the prevention of workplace mishaps.
“We also conduct free medical checks to ensure our workers are happy. A low-sugar campaign was launched recently to address diabetes.
“Sugar and diabetes are costing PERKESO almost US$100mil a year in payouts and other benefits. We want to reduce incidents of accidents, disasters and occupational hazards even before they happen,” Steven Sim (pic) said at the World Social Security Forum (WSSF) here yesterday.
He said this during a panel session at the WSSF Summit.
During the same session, Sim said he plans to table a new Bill aimed at providing round-the-clock protection to all workers in Malaysia.
“This not only deals with the issue of changing work hours, fatigue and stress after work, but also bridges the gap between those covered by private insurance and those not.
“Extending the 24-hour social security insurance to workers can resolve many different problems at the same time,” he said.
Other notable achievements, he said, include the extension of social security protection to homemakers, alongside the passage of legislation that provides social security protection to gig economy workers in Malaysia.
Sim added that full social security coverage has also been extended to all migrant workers in Malaysia.
Over the past decade, the minister stated that payouts to insured persons have increased by about 12%.
“We have also amended the law to increase payouts by up to 20% for insured persons.
“These are among the reforms we have introduced, ensuring no one is left behind.
“Together, we protect each other,” he said.
Gimino, G. (2025, October 4). High payouts for PERKESO. The Star. Retrieved from https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2025/10/04/high-payouts-for-perkeso
- THE HEART WORK REVOLUTION
TEN years after its inception, the Life at Work Awards (LAWA) 2025 marked not just a milestone but a movement that celebrates how Malaysia’s workplaces are evolving with compassion, flexibility and purpose. Hosted by Talent Corporation Malaysia Bhd (TalentCorp), the gala night honoured organisations leading the way in shaping a fairer, more progressive, human-centred world […] - Group wants clear framework, pilot projects before expanding EIS to gig workers
PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Industrial, Commercial and Service Employers Association (Micsea) has called on the government to set a clear policy framework and run pilot projects before expanding the Employment Insurance System (EIS) to gig and platform-based workers. The association said the plan, announced by human resources minister Steven Sim in the Dewan Rakyat on […] - Employer group seeks clarity on foreign worker pay rules after court ruling
KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 3): The Malaysian Industrial Commercial & Service Employers Association (MICSEA) is calling on the Ministry of Human Resources (MOHR) to issue clear and structured guidelines on wage payment timelines for foreign workers, following a recent court ruling that employers must pay wages from the moment these workers arrive in Malaysia. The call […] - HR minister: Court backpay ruling a warning for employers over unpaid migrant wages
PUTRAJAYA: Human Resources Minister Steven Sim said the Shah Alam High Court’s ruling on unpaid wages to foreign workers should serve as a clear warning to employers, as withholding salaries is a serious breach of Malaysia’s labour laws. Referring to the ruling delivered on Friday, he said the Human Resources Ministry would not compromise with […] - Malaysia steps up efforts to ensure fair, dignified worker housing, says HR minister
GEORGE TOWN, Oct 28 — Malaysia is committed to ensuring that accommodation provided to workers meets international standards. Human Resources Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong said the government is taking a firm stand to regulate and enforce the Workers’ Minimum Standards of Housing, Accommodations and Amenities Act 1990. He said compliance with ESG requirements is […] - Gig workers can be represented by family members, associations in disputes, says HR Minister
KUALA LUMPUR: Gig workers who are unable to represent themselves during dispute mediations in the Tripartite Council can be represented by family members or a body such as an association of gig workers, says Steven Sim. The Human Resources Minister also stated that unions can represent gig workers in the Tripartite Council only if they […] - Malaysia reaffirms commitment to workers’ welfare, regional solidarity at 14th Asean Labour Conference
GEORGE TOWN: Malaysia has underscored its firm commitment to upholding workers’ welfare, human dignity and regional cooperation during the 14th Asean Labour Inspection Conference. Human Resources Minister Steven Sim said Malaysia is committed to ensuring that the accommodation provided to workers is in line with international standards. He said the firm stand of the government […] - ILO chief begins inaugural official visit to Malaysia on Oct 20
PUTRAJAYA: International Labour Organisation (ILO) director-general Gilbert F. Houngbo will undertake a two-day working visit to Malaysia from Monday (Oct 20). The Human Resource Ministry said this marks the first official visit by an ILO director-general since Malaysia joined the organisation in 1957. “This visit signifies recognition of Malaysia’s active role and continued commitment to […] - Govt allows case-by-case foreign worker approvals until year-end, says Home Minsitry
PUTRAJAYA, Oct 14 — The government has agreed to grant facilitation for foreign worker quota applications on a case-by-case basis to three sectors, namely plantation, agriculture, and mining and quarrying, as well as ten subsectors, until December 31 this year, the Home Ministry announced. The subsectors are security services, metal and scrap materials, cleaning and […] - Malaysia to join Global Coalition for Social Justice next year
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia intends to join the Global Coalition for Social Justice at the 114th International Labour Conference (ILC) next year. The Human Resources Ministry in a statement on Tuesday (Oct 21) said the matter was revealed by its minister, Steven Sim Chee Keong, during a casual meeting with the Director-General of the International Labour […]