Ramanan: HR Ministry to table new commuter protection, post-maternity allowance in December

Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan speaks at the Socso i-Lindung Media Awards 2026 and Deepavali celebration with the media in Kuala Lumpur on November 11, 2026. — Bernama

First Published: Thursday, 12 Nov 2026 9:43 AM MYT

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 12 — Amendments to the Self-Employment Social Security Act 2017 (Act 789) and the Employment Insurance System Act 2017 (Act 800) will be tabled in Parliament in December.

Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan said the proposed amendments to Act 789 would involve the Commuter Scheme, while those to Act 800 would cover the Post-Maternity Leave Allowance (EPCB).

He said the amendments to Act 789 were aimed at strengthening social protection for Malaysians who commute across borders for work, particularly the more than 400,000 Malaysians who travel to Singapore daily.

“Towards the end of December, I will personally table the amendments to Act 789 relating to the Commuter Scheme, which will benefit Malaysians who commute to work abroad,” he said here yesterday.

He was speaking at the Social Security Organisation (PERKESO) i-LINDUNG Media Awards 2026 and Deepavali Celebration with the Media.

Also present were Deputy Human Resources Minister Datuk Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan, PERKESO Board chairman Datuk Seri Subahan Kamal, PERKESO chief executive Datuk Seri Dr Mohammed Azman Aziz Mohammed, and Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) Editor-in-Chief Arul Rajoo Durar Raj.

Ramanan said the amendments to Act 800 would involve the introduction of the EPCB, which is expected to benefit more than 132,000 women workers.

Both amendments were part of the government's efforts, through the Human Resources Ministry (KESUMA), to strengthen social protection and safeguard the people's welfare, he added.

He also called on the media to help disseminate information about the two initiatives so that more people would be aware of, understand and benefit from the facilities provided. — Bernama