KUALA LUMPUR, May 1 — The role of workers is crucial in driving economic growth and in ensuring the stability and prosperity of the country are maintained, even in the face of increasingly challenging economic conditions, said His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia.

According to a post on Sultan Ibrahim’s Facebook today, His Majesty said that the welfare of workers must always be given attention, including aspects of safety, work-life balance and career development opportunities, so that they remain resilient in facing economic uncertainties.

Sultan Ibrahim and Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah, Queen of Malaysia, also conveyed Workers’ Day wishes to all workers who are the backbone of the nation’s development.

“Their Majesties expressed their appreciation for the sacrifices and dedication shown by workers in various sectors, whether in the public or private sector,” according to the post.

Their Majesties also prayed that all workers in this country are always protected and granted health and well-being in carrying out their duties. — Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR, May 1 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has given all relevant agencies a two-week deadline to submit reports on the implementation of each workers’ initiative announced today.

He said the reports must be submitted to the respective ministers before being tabled to the Cabinet within three weeks.

“I do not want a repeat of past practices where announcements are made, but implementation takes six months, a year or even longer. Today, the announcement is made; within two weeks the report must be on the minister’s desk, and must be presented for Cabinet consideration within three weeks,” he said.

Anwar said this at the national-level 2026 Workers’ Day celebration attended by 15,000 workers from the public and private sectors nationwide at Unifi Arena, Bukit Jalil here.

Also present were Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Human Resource Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, Cabinet members, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, senior government officials, as well as representatives of workers’ unions and employers.

Earlier, the Prime Minister announced three key initiatives, including the Post-Maternity Leave Allowance, which provides financial assistance for additional leave of up to 30 days (one month) taken after the completion of the 98-day maternity leave period.

He also announced the Progressive Acceleration for Capability and Employment (PACE) Economic Resilience Package worth more than RM710 million as part of efforts to strengthen human capital development and the stability of the national labour market.

It includes a RM580 million allocation by the Social Security Organisation (Perkeso) to assist workers who have lost their jobs through the Employment Insurance System (EIS), and a RM100 million allocation under HRD Yakin Madani for training and job placement.

In addition, RM20 million has been channelled to the Skills Development Fund Corporation (PTPK) for gig worker training, while RM10 million has been allocated via TalentCorp for the Industry Training Matching Grant to support MSMEs and start-ups.

The third initiative is the amendment to the Self-Employment Social Security Act 2017 to expand protection under Perkeso to Malaysians working abroad, beginning with cross-border workers between Malaysia and Singapore.

With the theme ‘Pekerja Madani Kesuma Bangsa’, the annual event serves as a platform to recognise the contributions of the country’s workforce, while strengthening the career ecosystem through job opportunities and skills development. — Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR, May 1 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called on employers to be more considerate and compassionate in ensuring the welfare of workers continues to be protected.

He said peace and rapid national development must be matched by guarantees of well-being for all segments of society, including workers.

“This country must be peaceful and continue to develop and progress, but at the same time, we must ensure that workers’ welfare is protected. That is the priority,” he said at the national-level 2026 Workers’ Day celebration here today.

The Prime Minister said the country’s current economic performance is commendable, including strong growth, record-high investments, low unemployment, and a robust ringgit performance in Asia.

However, he raised the question of whether workers, particularly those in the lower and middle-income groups, are receiving fair benefits from these developments.

“We can list major companies in our country which record profits of RM1 billion or RM2 billion, yet still find it difficult to approve even a RM40 salary increase to workers. We want workers to be disciplined and highly productive, that is the responsibility of workers at all levels.

“We want this country to be clean, and so refuse collectors and cleaners make sacrifices. Can we take a moment to reflect, search our conscience, and ask whether these people are receiving the attention and fairness they deserve?” he said.

He therefore urged all corporate leaders to reflect and reassess the treatment of their employees.

“I am not suggesting that rewards be given to the extent that companies incur losses, I have never proposed that, nor am I suggesting that we lose competitiveness. I am only suggesting that national and corporate leaders be more attentive and show greater compassion,” he said.

Meanwhile, on the Workers’ Day celebration, Anwar said it serves as a platform for all parties to reflect on the importance of recognising workers and strengthening efforts to improve their welfare.

“Workers’ Day must remind us that without the people, farmers and fishermen, there would be no ministers. Without lower-level workers, there would be no companies to celebrate success,” he said.

He stressed that the Madani Government will place special emphasis on the issue of workers’ wages as a key policy priority.

Anwar said this effort will continue, even though the government has previously increased the minimum wage from RM1,200 to RM1,500, and raised the minimum wage for government-linked companies (GLCs) to RM3,000.

The national-level Workers’ Day celebration was also attended by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Human Resource Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, and other Cabinet members.

Also present were Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, senior government officials, as well as representatives of workers’ unions and employers. — Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR, May 1 — The government will introduce the Post-Maternity Leave Allowance as a progressive measure to support women’s participation in the workforce and reduce the stress faced by mothers after giving birth.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the initiative was introduced following findings that the labour force participation rate among women, especially those aged between 25 and 39, had shown a slight decline, partly due to maternity commitments.

He said the allowance would be introduced through an amendment to the Employment Insurance System Act 2017 and is aimed at providing additional financial support to mothers who needed longer time after maternity leave.

“The rationale is that we do not want mothers to feel forced to quit and leave the field of work after that, as has happened so far,” he said when delivering his message at the 2026 National Workers’ Day Celebration here today.

The Prime Minister, who is also the Finance Minister, said the allowance benefit would be set at 80 per cent of the monthly assumed salary for insured female workers, and would be paid in one lump sum (one-off).

“This allowance is financial assistance for additional leave of up to 30 days per month taken after the end of the 98-day maternity leave period,” he said, adding that the government is always committed to empowering women as the main driver of the country’s economic growth and social well-being.

Anwar said the initiative is expected to benefit more than 132,000 female workers nationwide.

According to the Employment Act 1955, every female worker in this country is entitled to enjoy 98 continuous days of maternity leave including rest days and public holidays.

Female workers are also eligible for maternity allowance if they work for at least 90 days in the nine months before giving birth, work for at least one day in the four months before giving birth and have fewer than five surviving children. — Bernama