KUALA LUMPUR: This week's episode of Beyond the Headlines spotlight transformative policies, corporate loss, and healthcare challenges in Malaysia.
From Perkeso's bold reforms to the passing of a business titan and surging medical insurance premiums, the week has been eventful.
Perkeso is set to revolutionise worker protection with 24-hour coverage under its Employment Injury Scheme, potentially benefiting nearly 9 million Malaysian workers.
Traditionally limited to work-related incidents, the scheme's expansion aims to cover non-work-related accidents, ensuring income replacement of up to 90pct of a worker's last drawn salary.
However, questions linger about the feasibility of additional contributions and the sustainability of such coverage.
This initiative is particularly crucial for the 95pct of Malaysian businesses classified as MSMEs, which often struggle to offer separate insurance benefits.
Additionally, Perkeso is preparing for a looming "Golden Tsunami" as 20pct of Malaysians are projected to be over 65 by 2055.
Plans for Aged Care Protection and Aged Living Centres reflect a long-term strategy to mitigate old-age poverty. Yet, whether the government, employers, and workers will fully support these measures remains uncertain.
Perkeso deputy CEO of strategy and corporate Edmund Cheong joined us on set to answer burning questions.
The show also shared the week's news wrap-up.
Malaysia braces for a 40-70pct hike in medical insurance premiums, with Bank Negara offering a co-payment option to ease costs. Nurses oppose 45-hour workweeks, citing fatigue risks. The nation mourns Ananda Krishnan, 86, founder of Maxis and Astro, known for his telecom legacy and philanthropy.
Watch for more updates in the latest episode of Beyond the Headlines…