KUALA LUMPUR, 23 July 2026 (The Capital Post) – The government is strengthening the protection of workers’ safety and health through improvements to the Social Security Organisation (PERKESO) guidelines on occupational diseases, in line with changing work patterns and Malaysia’s ageing workforce.
Human Resources Minister Dato’ Sri Ramanan Ramakrishnan said the initiative reflects the Ministry of Human Resources’ (KESUMA) continued commitment to ensuring workers receive appropriate protection under the country’s social security framework.
Speaking during Question Time in the Dewan Negara, Ramanan was responding to an oral question from Senator Dato’ Sri Vell Paari a/l Tun Samy Vellu regarding the proposed review of PERKESO’s guidelines for the recognition of occupational diseases.
He explained that illnesses arising from exposure to workplace risk factors are covered under the Employment Injury Scheme as occupational diseases. Meanwhile, conditions that are not caused by workplace factors, such as depression and schizophrenia, are covered under the Invalidity Scheme, which provides benefits including the Invalidity Pension and rehabilitation support for eligible insured persons.
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Ramanan also said PERKESO regularly updates its relevant guidelines and conducts training for medical board members to ensure assessments remain consistent with current developments.
In addition, PERKESO continues to promote workplace health through initiatives such as the Workplace Well-Being Seminar, the Worker Health Promotion Webinar Series and the Activ@Work Challenge Programme, aimed at raising awareness of mental health, psychosocial risk management and healthy workplace practices.
According to a post on the official Facebook page of Kementerian Sumber Manusia, the enhancements form part of the government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen occupational health protection and improve the well-being of Malaysia’s workforce.- The Capital Post.
