The Malaysian Social Security Organization 'Perkeso' held a final session on Monday, April 6, with stakeholders in Singapore, as part of preparations to implement a new plan aimed at providing social protection for over 400,000 Malaysian workers commuting daily to Singapore. The execution of this plan is scheduled to begin in the second quarter of this year.
The CEO of 'Perkeso', Datuk Seri Dr. Muhammad Azman Aziz Muhammad, stated that the session saw participation from several concerned parties, including the Third Media Movement, the Accident Help Center in Singapore (Johor), the Malaysian Association in Singapore (Masiss), as well as representatives from employers in Singapore.
Details of the Event
This session aimed to gather the opinions of stakeholders according to a 'bottom-up' approach, ensuring that the social protection framework is comprehensive and relevant to the realities faced by workers. Also attending the session was Datuk Dr. Azfar Muhammad Mustafa, the Malaysian High Commissioner in Singapore.
Dr. Azman noted that this session is vital given the gaps in the current protection system due to cross-border mobility. According to statistics from the Accident Help Center in Singapore, there were 48 recorded fatalities in 2024 and 54 in 2025 related to Malaysian workers commuting to Singapore.
Background & Context
The issue of Malaysian workers in Singapore is significant, as many Malaysian families rely on the income of these workers. With the increasing number of workers crossing the border daily, it has become essential to develop a social protection system that meets their needs and considers the financial risks they may face.
Historically, Malaysian workers have faced numerous challenges related to safety and rights, making it necessary to establish a legal framework that guarantees their rights and provides the necessary support. The development of the new social protection plan is a positive step towards improving the working and living conditions for Malaysian workers in Singapore.
Impact & Consequences
This plan could lead to significant improvements in the financial security of workers and their families, as it will provide them with protection against potential risks they may encounter while working. Additionally, this move reflects the Malaysian government's commitment to enhancing the working conditions for its citizens abroad.
Furthermore, having an effective social protection system can contribute to strengthening relations between Malaysia and Singapore, paving the way for further cooperation in other areas such as trade and investment.
Regional Significance
Malaysia's experience in developing a social protection system for cross-border workers serves as a model that other Arab countries facing similar challenges can benefit from. With the increasing number of Arab workers in Gulf countries, it becomes imperative to develop mechanisms to protect them and ensure their rights.
In conclusion, the 'Perkeso' plan represents an important step towards improving working conditions for Malaysian workers in Singapore and may serve as an inspiration for other countries in the region.