PUTRAJAYA: Social protection systems such as social assistance, social insurance and labour market policies are safety nets for poor and vulnerable citizens, says the Prime Minister.

       Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said one of the lessons learnt from the pandemic is that social protection systems can act as automatic stabilisers during a crisis, hence the need for new and innovative social protection solutions.

       “Policy makers must recognise the role of social protection in promoting social wellbeing by crafting creative policies that take into consideration the voices of the people.

       “Quick responses are required to uplift the community, promote rights and bridge social protection gaps in the country, especially for informal economy workers, housewives or unpaid family workers such as caregivers,” he said.

       The Prime Minister said this in his opening address at the International Social Wellbeing Conference 2021, themed “The New Narrative: Turning the Tide on Inequality”, organised by the Employees Provident Fund.

       He said the government had drawn up programmes under the 12th Malaysia Plan focusing on the people’s welfare, social protection and people-centred projects in light of the pandemic.

       The aim is to rejuvenate the country’s socioeconomic development for long-term sustainability and prosperity as a foundation for improving the wellbeing of the people, he added.

       “If there is one thing that we can take solace from in this crisis, it is the nation’s ability to do things the Malaysian way.

       “After all, a Malaysian crisis requires a Malaysian solution,” he said.

       Ismail Sabri said the Malaysian solution is the government’s commitment to strengthening and increasing research activities under the Malaysian Social Protection Council.

       The council, he said, serves as a centralised coordinating body to develop a comprehensive national social security approach based on lifecycle needs, and effective and efficient policies backed by a credible, broad-based, inclusive infrastructure and legal framework.

       The Prime Minister pointed out that the government had increased allocations and incentives for numerous protection programmes including Bantuan Keluarga Malaysia and e-Kasih.

       “We remain committed to eradicating poverty through greater collaboration within government agencies and statutory bodies.

       “This will aid in unlocking income potential, increasing household productivity and creating a more productive workforce,” said Ismail Sabri.