THE Ministry of Human Resources is in the final stages of preparing a proposal for Cabinet approval to introduce a Traveller Scheme under the Social Security Organisation (Socso), designed to extend protection to more than 400,000 Malaysians who commute daily to work in Singapore.
Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan said the initiative forms part of a broader strategy to strengthen the nation’s social safety net.
“In addition, we are also finalising a study to extend social protection to mothers during childbirth,” he said in a statement yesterday.
Reflecting on his first 100 days in office, Ramanan highlighted that Kesuma has prioritised policies offering direct and long-term benefits to the public, particularly in areas of social protection, skills development, and worker welfare.
“In this short period, our focus has been on comprehensive and sustainable initiatives, not just temporary measures,” he said, noting that these efforts are aligned with the Madani government’s vision under Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Among the key milestones is the tabling of the 24/7 Protection Scheme under Socso in Parliament, which is projected to benefit nearly 10 million formal workers nationwide.
To support the tourism sector, Kesuma has also launched free Occupational Safety and Health training for 10,000 industry workers in conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year 2026.
Socso has further signed a memorandum of understanding with PERHEBAT and the Department of Veterans Affairs to create an integrated ecosystem for Malaysian Armed Forces veterans, aiming for 5,000 job placements through the MYFutureJobs Wira Career Protection Programme by 2030.
Ramanan emphasised that talent development remains a key priority, with upskilling and reskilling programmes under the Department of Manpower (JTM) through the Advanced Technology Training Centres expected to benefit 90,000 individuals.
He also welcomed the RM100 million allocation announced by the Prime Minister to support gig workers’ skills training via the Skills Development Fund Corporation, describing it as recognition of the expanding gig economy.
In addition, the VETRI Madani 2026 Skills Programme, valued at RM10 million and supported by HRD Corp and TalentCorp, has been launched to provide technical, artificial intelligence, and engineering training, alongside job placement opportunities targeting the Indian B40 community. - March 28, 2026
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