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More than 132,000 working mothers are expected to benefit from up to 30 days of additional leave that can be taken after the 98-day maternity leave period.
Malaysia’s Ministry of Human Resources (KESUMA) has expressed its support for a series of initiatives announced by Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim in conjunction with the National Labour Day Celebration 2026, describing it as a strategic step in strengthening the country’s workforce reform agenda.
The celebration, held at Unifi Arena, Bukit Jalil, was attended by more than 15,000 workers from across Malaysia, including representatives from the public and private sectors, statutory bodies, and trade unions.
Details on the new measures announced at the event are as follows:
First comprehensive national human resources policy
Among the key announcements made on the day was the finalisation of the National Human Resources Policy (DSMN) 2026-2035. KESUMA described this as Malaysia’s first comprehensive policy framework to manage labour development in an integrated manner, covering skills, labour, industrial relations, and social security.
The policy is anchored on the principle of tripartism, involving collaboration between the government, employers, and workers.
Strengthening support for women and cross-border workers
In efforts to better support working mothers, PM Anwar introduced the Post-Maternity Leave Allowance (EPCB) under the Employment Insurance System Act 2017. As part of this, mothers will be provided up to 30 days of additional leave to be taken after the 98-day maternity leave period. The proposed benefit will be at a rate of 80% of the assumed monthly salary of the insured person, who will paid on a one-off basis. It is expected to benefit more than 132,000 women in the workforce.
Next, looking at another key segment of the workforce – Malaysians working across the borders in Singapore, PM Anwar announced the extension of SOCSO protection to Malaysians working across the border in Singapore. First talked about in March this year, the traveller scheme is expected to benefit about 480,000 workers.
Flexible work as part of broader national response
One key approach the government has taken in addressing the global energy crisis is through the targeted implementation of work from home arrangements, with the Prime Minister and relevant ministers encouraging the private sector to adopt flexible working arrangements (FWA).
These measures, KESUMA said, are seen as supporting work-life balance while also serving as a way to manage the country’s energy demand.
RM710mil PACE package to boost jobs and employability
A central component of the announcement is the Economic Resilience Package, named 'Progressive Acceleration for Capability and Employment (PACE)', valued at more than RM710mn.
The package focuses on four main thrusts. The first is social protection preparedness, with about RM580mn allocated through SOCSO to strengthen the Employment Insurance System (SIP) and support workers who have lost their jobs.
The second is the strengthening of training and job placement, with RM100mn channelled through HRD Corp’s PACE programme, supported by the MYFutureJobs platform to facilitate job matching, particularly for youth and vulnerable groups.
The third focuses on empowering gig workers, with RM20mn allocated to the Skills Education Fund Corporation (PTPK) to expand access to skills training and strengthen social protection, including for those in the e-hailing and p-hailing sectors.
The fourth thrust centres on strengthening young talent and the resilience of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), with RM10mn allocated through TalentCorp’s Industry Training Matching Grant to support training and future talent development. This measure follows Bank Negara Malaysia's announcement last week, wherein a new RM5bn financing facility will provide assistance to MSMEs affected by the ongoing conflict in West Asia.
Continued efforts to enhance worker wellbeing
The above aside, KESUMA also highlighted ongoing initiatives aimed at improving worker wellbeing. These include the implementation of a 24-hour SOCSO Protection Scheme, increasing the age limit of SOCSO coverage to 60 years, and extending the MADANI worker card to gig workers.
Access to justice is expected to improve through the introduction of a mobile labour court, while digitalisation efforts will be strengthened through the SOCSO Benefits Protection Portal.
On the skills front, future talent development will be supported through the establishment of the KESUMA Semiconductor Academy and the implementation of MADANI Inclusive TVET, aimed at expanding access to quality training across different segments of society.
Aligning with national workforce goals
KESUMA said these measures are aligned with the aspirations of the 13th Malaysia Plan, which aims to create a more dynamic, competitive, and inclusive labour market, while increasing median wages and strengthening workforce contributions to the national economy.
Overall, the ministry emphasised its commitment to ensuring that each policy, initiative, and reform is implemented effectively, with Labour Day 2026 marking a starting point for a "more progressive, inclusive, and resilient" workforce ecosystem.
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Lead image / Kementerian Sumber Manusia Facebook
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