Landmark 24-hour Socso coverage bill laudable

 

Amid the political noise and parliamentary drama, a profoundly significant piece of legislation was passed - one that will tangibly improve the lives of millions of Malaysian workers.

The Employees’ Social Security (Amendment) Bill 2025, which extends Social Security Organisation (Socso) coverage to 24 hours a day for all formal contributors, marks a historic advance in social protection.

This reform is a major victory for workers, offering comprehensive protection that includes accidents and injuries occurring outside of working hours. It will benefit an estimated 10 million formal workers.

For years, PSM has championed this cause, filing appeals and highlighting cases in which workers were unjustly denied benefits simply because accidents happened on weekends or outside their usual travel routes.

This change is long overdue, and we commend the government for finally enacting it into law.

Nearly 27k claims rejected due to time-based rules

On Oct 25, 2023, PSM submitted our second memorandum to Socso, listing 11 essential reforms. At the top of that list was 24-hour coverage for workers.

We presented it directly to deputy chief executive John Riba Anak Marin, who acknowledged that the Human Resources Ministry was working along similar lines.

We are therefore particularly grateful to Human Resources Minister Steven Sim for his relentless efforts in ensuring the successful passage of this bill in the Dewan Rakyat.

According to Socso records, between 2018 and Aug 31, 2025, a staggering 26,865 cases were rejected - many due to restrictive time- and place-based coverage rules. This amendment will prevent such injustices going forward.

Our hope now is that the ministry receives sufficient financial and administrative support to implement this expanded protection effectively and without delay.

Socso’s core mission reaffirmed

Socso, established under Malaysia’s first social-democratic prime minister, Abdul Razak Hussein, through the Employees’ Social Security Act 1969, which was passed in January 1971, remains one of the country’s most vital institutions.

For over five decades, it has served as a critical safety net for workers. We have often worried that neoliberal tendencies might weaken or sideline it. This expansion reaffirms its core mission.

The contributions of Socso are immense. Its funds, built from the sweat and contributions of workers, must be guarded diligently.

As of 2023, its assets stood at RM34.4 billion - a trust that belongs to the workers of Malaysia and must be managed with the utmost integrity and purpose.

PSM extends our thanks to the Madani government for this crucial legislative milestone.

We also urge Socso to continue evolving - to extend its protection to gig workers, informal sector workers, and all who contribute to our economy but remain outside the formal safety net. - Mkini

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S ARUTCHELVAN is PSM deputy chairperson.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of MMKtT.