KUALA LUMPUR: A gap in the lack of social protection is a gap in our collective humanity, says Social Security Organisation (Socso) chief executive officer Datuk Seri Dr Mohammed Azman Aziz Mohammed.

He called on the government to ensure that every worker has social security protection as rapid progress in technology has changed the world of work.

Azman, who is also International Social Security Association (ISSA) president, said this during his welcoming speech at the ISSA Technical Seminar at the World Trade Centre here Tuesday (Aug 27).

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi officiated at the seminar attended by 1,667 participants from 25 countries.

Azman further pointed out that while formal employees can rely on comprehensive benefits, self-employed and platform workers often find themselves excluded from these essential safeguards.

“The theme of this seminar, 'Social Security for the Self-Employed and Platform Workers', is not just a topic for discussion but a call to action.

"As we assess the landscape of work today, the disparities between formal employment and informal or platform work become clear.

"While formal employees often have access to social protections like unemployment insurance, health benefits, and pensions, self-employed and platform workers frequently find themselves excluded from these essential safeguards.

“The recent report by the International Labour Organisation (ILO), ISSA, and Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) shows these critical gaps in social protection.

“The Covid-19 pandemic highlighted these gaps in the harshest light. Many workers were left without access to basic protections such as unemployment insurance and sickness benefits. This discrepancy is not just a gap in policy, rather it is a gap in our collective humanity. It is a gap in justice,” said Azman.

Commending Malaysia as the first country to safeguard self-employed workers including gig workers, he said that countries must share best practices and refine legal frameworks such as the Gig Worker Act to be tabled in Malaysian parliament soon.

“Malaysia’s initiatives go beyond traditional compensation models by incorporating prevention and rehabilitation efforts. This proactive approach is a beacon for other nations, demonstrating the importance of a holistic strategy to safeguard all workers.

“ISSA will continue to be a key partner in Malaysia's journey towards enacting robust legislation, such as a potential Gig Worker Act. This collaboration ensures that Malaysia remains at the forefront of social protection for all workers,” said Azman.

He also said that challenges in providing protection include portability of social security benefits when workers transition between jobs and addressing online and cross-border workers to ensure they do not fall between the cracks of the system.

“These areas are fundamental to ensuring that no worker, regardless of their employment status or location, is left unprotected.

“We (authorities on social security) are at a crossroads. The decisions we make today will echo for generations. We have the power to build a world where every worker, no matter their job title or employment status, is protected, respected, and valued,” said Mohammed Azman.

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/08/27/workers039-social-protection-is-a-mirror-of-collective-humanity-says-socso-chief