Charles Include Migrant Informal Workers In Protection Scheme

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Former MP Charles Santiago has urged the government to include migrant workers in the proposed Non-Employment Injury Scheme, announced by the prime minister yesterday.
Referring to the scheme as a step in the right direction, he also called upon Putrajaya to include gig and informal workers in the scheme, too.
“Benefits must be made portable across borders. Migrant workers who build Malaysia must be protected at their place of work.
“And we must ensure survivors’ benefits and invalidity pensions reach families,” he said in a statement today.
ADSPrime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced the scheme yesterday in a move to provide workers protection beyond office hours.
He said the introduction of the scheme stems from a realisation that the pressures of work do not stop at the factory gate or the office door.
“In an age of flexible and remote arrangements, this reform will align protection with the realities of how people live and work today.
“And crucially, it will extend coverage around the clock, recognising that accidents and injuries do not keep to a timetable,” Bernama reported the premier as saying in his keynote speech at the World Social Security Forum 2025.
Accessibility matters
Charles further urged Putrajaya to get the programme right from the start by engaging various stakeholders such as workers’ unions, migrant workers’ groups, disability advocates and others when formulating the policy.
He mentioned that this would ensure no particular groups fall through the cracks.
Nevertheless, Charles stressed that the success of the programme would depend on the accessibility and enforcement when claims are processed.
“While digital tools are useful, they must be user-friendly, multilingual and supported by offline help.
“Without clear reporting channels and penalties for non-compliance, this will only be lip service,” he added.
Protecting workers’ welfare
Lauding Anwar’s announcement, social protection advocate Lee Lam Thye stressed the importance of giving workers protection beyond regular hours.
Social protection advocate Lee Lam ThyeADS“In today’s fast-paced world, workers face risks on the job and in their daily lives.
“Road accidents, slips, falls, and other unforeseen incidents can cause serious harm and leave families vulnerable if there is no adequate protection in place,” Bernama reported him as saying.
Lee said round-the-clock coverage will also provide workers with the assurance that their welfare is safeguarded regardless of when or where an accident occurs.
“This is crucial as workers are the backbone of our economy, and their safety and well-being must always be a national priority,” he added. - Mkini

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