New social protection solutions urgently needed, says PM

 

Ismail Sabri Yaakob says the government is committed to strengthening and increasing research activities under the Malaysia Social Protection Council.

KUALA LUMPUR: New and innovative social protection solutions are urgently required to strike a balance between the provision of safety nets, promote financial resilience and human capital development, Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob said today.

He said more collaborative efforts by the public and private sectors are also vital to form strong synergies between social security organisations, relevant stakeholders and policymakers.

“Quick responses are required to uplift the community, promote rights, and bridge social protection gaps in the country, especially for informal economy workers, housewives, or unpaid family workers, such as caregivers,” he said at the launch of the International Social Wellbeing Conference 2021, held online, today.

Ismail also urged policymakers to recognise the role of social protection in promoting social wellbeing by crafting effective policies that consider the people’s views.

He said that since Covid-19 struck, the government quickly learnt that social protection systems, including social assistance, social insurance and labour market policies, can act as automatic stabilisers during a crisis, as well as essential safety nets for the poor, and vulnerable citizens.

Thus, he said, the 12th Malaysia Plan’s focus on the rakyat’s welfare, social protection and people-centred projects in light of the pandemic was aimed at rejuvenating Malaysia’s socio-economic development for long-term sustainability and prosperity and served as the foundation for improving the wellbeing of the people.

He said it would be another major stepping stone for Malaysia to move closer to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 2030 Agenda, which aimed to fulfil one of the national development priorities by adopting the whole-of-nation approach, with the principle of “leave no one behind”.

This is further supported by the recently launched Keluarga Malaysia (Malaysian Family) concept, which is based on three main values, namely inclusivity, common ground, and contentment.

“As Keluarga Malaysia, everyone should work together to establish a stronger social support system towards greater resiliency, especially for the poor, and vulnerable groups.

“If there is one thing we can take solace from this crisis, it is the nation’s ability to do things the Malaysian way. After all, a Malaysian crisis requires a Malaysian solution.

“The Malaysian solution in this context is the government’s commitment to strengthen and increase research activities under the Malaysia Social Protection Council,” he said. - FMT