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PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has ordered all relevant government agencies to submit detailed implementation reports on newly announced workers’ initiatives within two weeks, as part of a broader push to accelerate policy delivery and improve accountability.
He said the reports must first be submitted to the respective ministers before being presented to the Cabinet within three weeks, warning against delays that have historically hindered execution.
“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 was speaking at the national-level Labour Day 2026 celebration held at Unifi Arena in Bukit Jalil, attended by some 15,000 workers from both the public and private sectors.
Earlier in his address, Anwar unveiled a series of major initiatives aimed at strengthening worker protection and enhancing labour market resilience.
These include the introduction of a Post-Maternity Leave Allowance, which provides financial assistance for up to 30 days of additional leave following the completion of the existing 98-day maternity leave period.
He also announced the Progressive Acceleration for Capability and Employment (PACE) Economic Resilience Package, valued at more than RM710 million, designed to boost human capital development and reinforce the stability of the national labour market.
The package includes a RM580 million allocation through the Social Security Organisation to support workers who have lost their jobs under the Employment Insurance System, alongside RM100 million under the HRD Yakin Madani initiative for training and job placement programmes.
Additional allocations include RM20 million channelled to the Skills Development Fund Corporation for training gig economy workers, and RM10 million through TalentCorp for the Industry Training Matching Grant aimed at supporting micro, small and medium enterprises as well as start-ups.
A third key measure involves proposed amendments to the Self-Employment Social Security Act 2017 to expand social protection coverage to Malaysians working overseas, beginning with cross-border commuters between Malaysia and Singapore.
Held under the theme “Pekerja Madani Kesuma Bangsa”, the annual Labour Day celebration serves as a national platform to recognise the contributions of workers while advancing job creation, skills development and long-term workforce sustainability. - May 1, 2026
