02/05/2026

SATURDAY | MAY 2, 2026

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Govt to introduce allowance for post-maternity leave

KUALA LUMPUR: The government is set to introduce a post-maternity leave allowance under the Employment Insurance System Act to support working mothers returning to the workforce. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said female labour force participation has seen a slight decline, particularly among those aged 25 to 29 and 35 to 39, mainly due to motherhood responsibilities. “The government will introduce a post-maternity leave allowance under the Employment Insurance System Act 2017, providing financial assistance for up to 30 additional days after the existing 98-day maternity leave period. “The benefit, at about 80% of the insured monthly wage, is expected to benefit over 132,000 women workers.” Anwar also highlighted the risks faced by Malaysians working abroad, particularly daily commuters to Ű BY QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI AND KIRTINEE RAMESH newsdesk@thesundaily.com

“It is true that our investments are at their highest in history. It is true that our economic achievements are strong. It is true that our currency is among the best-performing in Asia. “But the next question is this – in a peaceful country, with the sacrifices of soldiers, police, security forces and workers at all levels facing risks every day, is it true that the government, especially for those at the middle and lower levels, has done enough? “What is their fate? Are they adequately protected? Anwar stressed that the government is not seeking to impose rigid wage structures on private companies but rather urging greater compassion and responsibility in corporate practices. “I am not proposing incentives that would cause companies to suffer losses. I am not suggesting anything that would weaken competitiveness. “I am only proposing that both national and corporate leadership become more attentive and demonstrate compassion.” He said Malaysia’s economic progress must also reflect fairness, emphasising that sacrifices made by workers should be matched with appropriate recognition. He said Malaysia would continue to maintain its Budi95 fuel subsidy at RM1.99 per litre, describing it as among the lowest fuel prices globally, after Brunei. “When asked to be realistic and increase fuel prices, I say yes, I must manage the economy but I must also consider the fate of workers at the lower level.” Anwar said the government would continue to support workers while ensuring responsible fiscal management, stressing that fuel prices would remain unchanged. He also urged the Human Resources Ministry to continue engaging directly with workers on the ground, adding that policymaking must reflect real conditions faced by the rakyat . – BY QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI AND KIRTINEE RAMESH key driver of employment and economic growth, would receive continued support through RM10 billion in financing facilities, following an additional RM5 billion increase by Bank Negara Malaysia. He said TalentCorp would also provide RM10 million for internship and startup-related support. Anwar stressed the importance of swift implementation, directing all agencies involved to submit progress reports within two weeks for Cabinet review in the third week. He added that the PACE programme carries a total allocation of RM710 million and congratulated the Human Resources Ministry and related agencies for the initiative.

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has urged large corporations in Malaysia to ensure that workers’ welfare is protected. He said national development must be balanced with fair treatment of employees across all levels. Speaking at the Labour Day celebration 2026 yesterday, he said the country’s progress could not be separated from the contribution of workers – from frontline services to industrial sectors. “We list the major companies in our country, (with) profits of one billion, two billion ringgit. Yet even increasing wages by RM40 is difficult. How do we address this?” Anwar said while Malaysia continues to record strong investments, economic growth and currency performance, the question remains whether workers, particularly those at the lower and middle levels are receiving adequate protection. “I want workers, employers and wealthy companies to hear this clearly. The country must be safe and continue to develop, but it must also guarantee that the fate of workers is protected.” He called on companies, especially the top 50 largest corporations, to reassess the treatment of their employees. Anwar added that national stability depends on contributions from all sectors, including security forces, sanitation workers and industrial workers. “If we want this country to remain peaceful, who is responsible? The security forces. If we want productivity, it is workers at all levels. If we want cleanliness, it is the cleaners and sanitation workers. “This is a responsibility that must be fulfilled. I use this platform in front of workers to remind everyone – if we want to defend this country as peaceful and inclusive, there must be a spirit of compassion in the concept of a Madani nation.” He said the issue of workers’ welfare could not be ignored amid positive economic indicators. continued upskilling and reskilling efforts alongside TVET reforms. “I thank Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zahid Hamidi for his role in strengthening TVET.” Anwar said the Progressive Acceleration for Capability and Employment (PACE) initiative, which focuses on social protection, training and workforce transformation, was also introduced. He said under the initiative, Socso has allocated RM580 million to support jobless workers and improve employability while HRD Corp would provide RM100 million for training and job placement programmes. He added that SMEs, which are a

o Financial assistance under Employment Insurance System Act expected to benefit over 132,000 women workers, says PM

protection.

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Singapore, adding that on an average, one Malaysian worker dies each week among cross-border workers. “Our children working overseas are waking up at 4am, crossing into Singapore and returning home late at night. So how should we expand adequate protection for Malaysian citizens working abroad? “They do not have sufficient

Malaysian life is lost every week.” He said the government would amend the Social Security Act to extend protection to Malaysians working overseas, starting with Malaysia-Singapore commuters, covering about 480,000 workers. Anwar said unemployment is currently at a 10-year low of around 2.9% and stressed the need for

Anwar urges corporations to protect workers’ welfare

VIP VISITOR ... Japan’s Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Minister Suzuki Norikazu (second from left) visiting the Jaya Grocer outlet at LaLaport yesterday. – BERNAMAPIC ‘Safety of Malaysians on flotilla our top priority’

RAWANG: The safety of Malaysians taking part in the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) 2.0 is the government’s top priority, after Israel detained mission participants in international waters yesterday. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the government viewed the incident with serious concern, describing Israel’s action as a breach of humanitarian principles and international law. “We naturally pray for the safety not only of Malaysians but also of citizens from other countries caught up in the detention by the unjust Israeli regime, many of whom are being held in international waters. “This is sheer madness and shows no respect at all for (humanitarian and international law) principles. They were still in international waters, not even inside Israel’s territory. That is the injustice that continues,” he said after Friday prayers at Masjid Nurul Iman yesterday. On the government’s follow-up measures, Anwar said efforts had been

media conference on updates on the Global Sumud Flotilla 2026 yesterday. Sani Araby said they have also been in contact with the prime minister who has stated his firm stand and condemned the Israeli regime for violating international laws. He added that Anwar had informed that the government through the Foreign Ministry has begun diplomatic efforts by contacting the Malaysian honorary consul in Greece and other friendly countries to assist and coordinate efforts to release the activists. The 10 Malaysians detained are Zainal Rashid Ahmad (onboard Arkham III ), Osman Zolkifli and Dr Jihan Alya Mohd Nordin ( Eros 1 ), Hazwan Hazim Dermawan, Mohd Hanafi Mohd Salim, Ahmad Musa Al Nuwayri Kamaruzaman and Norhelmi Ab Ghani ( Bianca BCN ), Mohd

stepped up on the diplomatic front, with the Foreign Ministry and friendly nations being contacted to find an immediate solution. “We are doing our best. I have already contacted the Foreign Ministry and we are contacting friendly countries. Whichever ones I can contact, I will contact, InsyaAllah.” Sumud Nusantara Command Centre (SNCC) director-general Datuk Sani Araby Abdul Alim Araby said 175 activists, including 10 Malaysians, had been abducted and taken to Israel by sea on vessels belonging to the Zionist regime, adding that it has yet to receive any official confirmation on the safety status of the activists. Sani Araby said while there was initial information that all the activists would be released at Lerapetra Port, Crete, Greece at noon yesterday (Malaysia time), it has yet to be verified. “The current status (of the information) has yet to be confirmed through official channels and our field group at the port,” he said at a special

Redzal Amzah ( Freia ), Muhamad Muhsin Zaidi ( Marea ) and Mohd Shamsir Mohd Isa ( Esplai ). – Bernama

See also page 10