Daily HR News 20.2.2025

1. First human resources coordination meeting held to strengthen nationwide initiatives

On February 20, 2025, Malaysia's Human Resources Ministry convened its inaugural Coordination Meeting (Mex Kesuma) with state executive councillors to enhance nationwide human resource initiatives. Chaired by Minister Steven Sim, the two-hour session focused on aligning federal and state efforts in areas such as skills training, workers' rights enforcement, occupational safety, industrial relations, and social protection.

Source: https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2025/02/20/first-human-resources-coordination-meeting-held-to-strengthen-nationwide-initiatives

2. New law to cover gig workers 

Malaysia's Human Resources Minister, Steven Sim, announced that the Gig Workers Bill will be tabled in Parliament within two weeks. The Bill aims to define gig workers, establish income standards, provide dispute resolution mechanisms, and ensure social protection. While Social Security Organisation (Socso) contributions are a focus, integrating the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) would require amendments to existing laws.

Source: https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2025/02/20/new-law-to-cover-gig-workers

3. Groups: Harmonise laws, protect whistleblowers 

Transparency groups in Malaysia urge harmonizing the Whistleblower Protection Act 2010 with laws like the Official Secrets Act and Penal Code to eliminate conflicts that deter whistleblowers. They advocate amending Section 6, implementing a reward scheme, and establishing an interim Whistleblower Protection Committee to enhance protections and encourage reporting of corruption.

Source: https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2025/02/20/groups-harmonise-laws-protect-whistleblowers