Daily HR News 14.3.2025
1. Penang’s Industrial Court to hear PERKESO appeal cases, says minister
Penang's Industrial Court will add a third courtroom dedicated to hearing Social Security Organisation (PERKESO) appeal cases, announced Human Resources Minister Steven Sim. This initiative aims to establish a One Stop Labour Service Centre, allowing workers and employers to resolve issues locally without traveling to Kuala Lumpur. The new facility will serve claimants from Penang, Kedah, and Perlis.
Source: https://chatgpt.com/g/g-p-67ac899fa5e88191a1add39bf525e6bc-daily-hr-news/project
2. Vital to promote PWP awareness, say groups
The Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (ACCCIM) supports the Progressive Wage Policy (PWP) but emphasizes the need for increased awareness among small and medium enterprises. A late 2023 survey revealed that 20.5% of members were interested in PWP, 48.4% were uncertain, and 31.1% were uninterested, with 62.5% concerned about rising operating costs.
Source: https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2025/03/14/vital-to-promote-pwp-awareness-say-groups
3. Only registered firms are considered recipients of incentives
The Progressive Wage Policy (PWP) is a voluntary initiative that complements Malaysia's existing Minimum Wage Order. Employers adhering to the Minimum Wage Order can apply to become 'progressive wage employers' through an online system. Registered participants may receive temporary government incentives of up to RM200 monthly for each entry-level employee and up to RM300 for non-entry-level staff. These incentives aim to support employers until increased company revenues can sustain higher wages independently.
Source: https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2025/03/14/only-registered-firms-are-considered-recipients-of-incentives
4. Gig Workers Bill to make PERKESO contributions mandatory
The Human Resources Ministry plans to introduce the Gig Workers Bill to mandate Social Security Organisation (PERKESO) contributions for gig workers. Currently, only 26% of Malaysia's 1.16 million gig workers contribute voluntarily to the Self-Employment Social Security Scheme (SKSPS). The bill aims to increase protection by requiring contributions and ensuring platform companies collaborate with PERKESO for automatic deductions
Source: https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2025/03/14/gig-workers-bill-to-make-perkeso-contributions-mandatory
5. Industrial Courts to get RM5mil AI-powered transcription system
The Malaysian government will invest RM5 million in an AI-powered digital transcription system to enhance efficiency in Industrial Courts. This initiative is part of the "Roadmap to My Digital Justice," aiming to integrate digital solutions and artificial intelligence into the legal sector by 2025. Currently, Malaysia's judiciary employs limited AI, such as automated audio-to-text transcription and sentencing guidelines in lower courts.
Source: https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2025/03/14/industrial-courts-to-get-rm5mil-ai-powered-transcription-system/
6. Ex-manager awarded RM1.4mil after employer absent from Industrial Court
The Industrial Court has awarded former manager Ang Chin Gaik RM1.4 million in compensation after her employer failed to attend the trial, leaving her claims unchallenged.
Source: https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2025/03/14/ex-manager-awarded-rm1-4mil-after-employer-absent-from-industrial-court/