A Penang storekeeper who was injured and terminated after a motorcycle accident during his commute home will receive financial assistance from the Human Resources Ministry. The case has drawn attention to an upcoming bill that extends worker protection beyond office hours.

The Employees’ Social Security (Amendment) Bill 2025 was passed in the Dewan Rakyat in early December and will be tabled in the Senate on Wednesday. Human Resources Minister Steven Sim said the bill provides 24-hour protection for employees, including coverage for accidents that occur during their daily commute.

Storekeeper Injured, Terminated After Accident During Commute

Ah Aik, a 53-year-old storekeeper from Penang, suffered a severe injury to his left knee while riding his motorcycle home from work in November 2025. The accident left him unable to work and requiring extended medical treatment.

During a hospital visit, Aik’s employer handed him two months’ salary and a letter. Unable to read, Aik assumed the letter was financial aid. However, the document was actually a termination notice ending his employment.

Aik’s wife currently earns RM1,700 per month from a garment factory, while their children are still in school and college. With Aik unable to work and medical expenses mounting, the family faced significant financial strain. Aik’s initial application for Social Security Organisation (PERKESO) compensation was rejected due to incomplete documentation.

Ministry Provides Financial Assistance And Appeals To PERKESO

Sim said he visited Aik on 14 December alongside Paya Terubong assemblyman Wong Hon Wai, a councillor representing Bukit Gelugor MP Ramkarpal Singh, village community representatives, and the Penang PERKESO branch.

Sim provided Aik with RM9,100 in financial assistance and confirmed that his ministry will help complete all required applications and appeal to PERKESO on Aik’s behalf. PERKESO will handle Aik’s other benefits, including rehabilitation support. The ministry’s MyFutureJobs programme will also assist in finding new employment once Aik has recovered from his injuries.

Sim confirmed that Aik’s case qualified for coverage because the accident occurred while he was travelling home from work. Under existing regulations, accidents during work-related commutes are classified as workplace incidents eligible for PERKESO protection.

Amendment Expands Protection Beyond Office Hours

Sim said social protection systems must reflect real-world situations rather than being limited to regulations that do not account for everyday circumstances faced by workers.

The Employees’ Social Security (Amendment) Bill 2025 expands the time frame during which workers are covered by social security protections. Sim said the amendment ensures more workers will benefit from coverage that extends beyond traditional working hours.

The bill is expected to be debated and voted on in the Senate on 17 December 2025. Sim said he hopes the legislation will be implemented as soon as possible to provide broader protection for Malaysian workers.

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