Budget 2026: New i-Saraan Plus, SOCSO Coverage, and Social Protection Boosts for Workers

Budget 2026

Samuel Chua

10th October 2025 - 3 min read

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has announced a series of initiatives under Belanjawan MADANI 2026 aimed at strengthening retirement savings, employment support, and social protection for Malaysians, especially those in the gig and informal sectors.

Expanding EPF Coverage Through i-Saraan Plus

A new scheme known as i-Saraan Plus will be launched under the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) to help gig, e-hailing, and p-hailing workers save for retirement.
Through this scheme, contributors will receive matching government contributions of up to RM600 per year, capped at RM6,000 over a lifetime.

The existing i-Saraan programme will continue, offering matching contributions of up to RM500 per year, capped at RM5,000 over a lifetime, for informal workers such as small traders, freelancers, and self-employed individuals.

This initiative aims to expand retirement coverage to those outside the formal workforce, promoting long-term financial security.

Mandatory SOCSO Protection For Gig Workers

Under the newly introduced Gig Workers Act 2025, SOCSO contributions will now be mandatory for gig workers.
To encourage registration, the government will cover 70% of SOCSO contributions for first-time registrants in the first year and offer a 50% incentive in the second year.

This measure ensures that gig and platform-based workers receive social security coverage, protecting them against work-related injuries and loss of income.

Relocation Assistance For Job Seekers

The government will provide PERKESO relocation assistance of up to RM1,000 to new graduates and job seekers who are required to move to another area for employment.
This initiative supports young Malaysians entering the workforce by helping them manage the cost of relocation when starting new jobs.

Extended i-Suri Eligibility For Housewives

The i-Suri programme, which allows housewives to contribute voluntarily to EPF and receive government incentives, will see its eligibility age raised to 60 years, aligning with Malaysia’s national retirement age.
The move ensures that more women, especially older housewives, can continue saving for their future while enjoying EPF benefits.

Expanded PERKESO Rehabilitation And Health Benefits

PERKESO will expand its rehabilitation network to Melaka, Perak, Terengganu, and Penang, adding a new centre with a 250-bed capacity to enhance rehabilitation services for workers recovering from injuries.

In addition, the maximum hemodialysis treatment rate under PERKESO will increase from RM150 to RM170 per session, adding RM52 million in annual support for patients.
This adjustment helps ease the financial burden of workers and dependants undergoing regular dialysis treatment.

These initiatives collectively reflect the government’s effort to build a more inclusive social protection system.

By expanding EPF and SOCSO coverage, supporting job mobility, and improving healthcare access, Belanjawan MADANI 2026 aims to ensure that all Malaysians, including gig workers, housewives, and job seekers, are better protected and financially prepared for the future.

Stay tuned for more updates from Budget 2026.

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