Efforts to enhance the social protection system for workers, especially those in the informal sector, require close collaboration across various ministries to ensure effective and comprehensive implementation.
This issue was highlighted during a special plenary session at the World Social Security Forum (WSSF) 2025 yesterday, which featured several cabinet ministers. They unanimously agreed that cross-ministerial synergy is key to addressing the challenges of social protection.
Minister of Women, Family and Community Development, Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri, stressed that her ministry is committed to working with other ministries to tackle issues such as social protection for women and housewives engaged in the gig economy.
“We work closely with the Ministry of Human Resources, depending on the issue at hand. They are able to provide us with the data we need to take further action,” she said during the panel session.
Meanwhile, Minister of Youth and Sports, Hannah Yeoh, echoed the importance of inter-ministerial collaboration, a point frequently emphasised by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim during Cabinet meetings.
“With limited budget allocations, we cannot afford to work in silos. Social protection must not be placed in a box because the situation will inevitably change in the future,” she remarked.
Minister of Digital, Gobind Singh Deo, also stressed that challenges faced by each ministry require a united approach rather than isolated efforts.
“Nothing can be resolved if we continue working in silos. Every ministry faces unique challenges, and only through cross-ministerial collaboration can we find comprehensive solutions,” he said.
The international forum also served as an important platform for policymakers to reassess current strategies and strengthen policies aimed at ensuring the holistic well-being of the people.
-HR HUB
