Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has directed all agencies to submit reports on the implementation of new workers’ initiatives within two weeks, aiming for swift action and avoiding past delays. The initiatives include a Post-Maternity Leave Allowance, the PACE Economic Resilience Package worth over RM710 million, and expanded social security coverage for Malaysians working abroad.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has issued a firm directive to all relevant government agencies, setting a strict two-week deadline for the submission of comprehensive reports detailing the implementation plans for each of the workers’ initiatives unveiled today.
This directive underscores the Prime Minister’s commitment to swift and effective action, aiming to avoid the delays that have historically plagued the rollout of important policies. He emphasized the need for accountability and transparency, stating that these reports must first reach the respective ministers within the two-week timeframe, and subsequently be presented for thorough consideration by the Cabinet within three weeks.
Anwar’s statement, delivered at the national-level 2026 Workers’ Day celebration, was a clear signal that the government intends to move beyond mere announcements and prioritize tangible results for the nation’s workforce. He explicitly rejected the past practice of lengthy implementation periods, sometimes stretching to six months or even a year after initial announcements, deeming such delays unacceptable.
The event, held at Unifi Arena, Bukit Jalil, was attended by a substantial gathering of 15,000 workers representing both the public and private sectors from across the country, demonstrating the broad reach and significance of the initiatives. The Workers’ Day celebration served as the platform for the announcement of three pivotal initiatives designed to bolster worker welfare and strengthen the national economy.
The first, the Post-Maternity Leave Allowance, provides crucial financial support to new mothers, enabling them to take up to an additional 30 days of leave following the standard 98-day maternity period. This allowance aims to facilitate a smoother transition for working mothers and support their well-being during the critical early stages of motherhood. The second major announcement was the Progressive Acceleration for Capability and Employment (PACE) Economic Resilience Package, a substantial investment exceeding RM710 million.
This package is strategically designed to enhance human capital development and fortify the stability of the national labour market. A significant portion of the PACE package, RM580 million, will be allocated through the Social Security Organisation (Perkeso) to provide assistance to workers who have unfortunately lost their jobs, utilizing the Employment Insurance System (EIS).
Furthermore, RM100 million has been earmarked under the HRD Yakin Madani initiative to fund vital training programs and facilitate job placement opportunities. Recognizing the growing importance of the gig economy, RM20 million has been directed to the Skills Development Fund Corporation (PTPK) specifically for training programs tailored to gig workers.
Finally, RM10 million will be channeled through TalentCorp to support Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and start-ups via the Industry Training Matching Grant. The third key initiative focuses on expanding social security protection to a wider segment of the Malaysian workforce. Amendments to the Self-Employment Social Security Act 2017 will extend Perkeso’s coverage to Malaysians working abroad, initially focusing on cross-border workers commuting between Malaysia and Singapore.
This expansion represents a significant step towards ensuring that all Malaysian workers, regardless of their location, have access to essential social security benefits. The overarching theme of the event, ‘Pekerja Madani Kesuma Bangsa’ (Workers of Malaysia, the Glory of the Nation), encapsulates the government’s deep appreciation for the contributions of the country’s workforce.
The annual Workers’ Day celebration is not merely a ceremonial event; it functions as a vital platform for recognizing the dedication and hard work of Malaysian workers, while simultaneously strengthening the career ecosystem through the creation of new job opportunities and the provision of skills development programs. The presence of key figures, including Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Human Resource Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, Cabinet members, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, senior government officials, and representatives from workers’ unions and employers, underscored the collaborative spirit and collective commitment to supporting the nation’s workforce.
The Prime Minister’s decisive action and the comprehensive nature of the announced initiatives signal a renewed focus on empowering workers and building a more resilient and equitable economy
Business Labour Anwar Ibrahim Workers' Day Labour Market Social Security Maternity Leave Economic Package Perkeso HRD Yakin Madani PTPK Talentcorp Implementation Malaysia
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