Latest news with #MadaniWorkers'Card
The Star
6 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Making life better for workers
RISING living costs may be a reality, but there's now a smarter way for Malaysian workers to stretch their ringgit further. The Madani Workers' Card (Kad Pekerja Madani), introduced by the Human Resources Ministry (Kesuma), provides real, everyday savings — offering unionised workers discounts of up to 30% on essentials, services, healthcare, education and more. It's a practical, targeted initiative aimed at easing financial pressures while recognising the vital contributions of Malaysia's workforce. For the benefit of workers: Anwar (centre) launching the 2025 National Labour Day celebration at Axiata Arena, Bukit Jalil, in the presence of (from left) Human Resources Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong, Deputy Prime Ministers Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof and Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar. — FAIHAN GHANI/The Star Launched on May 1, this year by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, in conjunction with the National Labour Day celebration at Axiata Arena, Bukit Jalil, the digital card is already proving to be a game-changer. The Madani Workers' Card can be used across a wide range of products and services, including supermarkets, food and beverages, clothing, travel and accommodation. More than 100 strategic partners have been roped in to support the programme's success. Out of the 100 registered strategic partners, 32 have confirmed their readiness to welcome cardholders while the remaining partners are in the final stages of deliberating the most effective implementation methods to ensure a smooth rollout. Among them are Mydin, Starbucks Coffee, ZUS Coffee, Marrybrown, Resorts World Genting, Socar Mobility Malaysia, Jungle Gym, Ripley's Adventureland and The Top Penang — all offering valuable rebates that can make a noticeable difference in everyday spending. The timing couldn't be more fitting. With recent increases in electricity tariffs and adjustments to the Sales and Service Tax (SST), managing household budgets has become increasingly challenging, especially for low- and middle-income earners. The Madani Workers' Card addresses these realities head-on, providing a timely and effective solution through accessible, real-world discounts — empowering workers to navigate economic challenges with greater confidence and security, while also reinforcing the government's broader efforts to safeguard workers' well-being in today's evolving economic landscape. Digital empowerment In line with the government's push for digitalisation, the Madani Workers' Card is fully digital and accessible via a QR code — no physical card required. Users can simply scan their unique QR code at participating outlets to redeem benefits instantly, making the experience seamless, efficient and environmentally friendly. This initiative supports the government's broader digital transformation agenda, enhancing convenience while reducing dependence on printed materials and manual processes. Application process The application process is designed to be fast, simple and entirely online — ensuring easy access for eligible workers. To apply for the Madani Workers' Card, visit the official portal at and follow these steps: Register a user account: Start by clicking on the registration link and entering your basic information, including your full name, email address, identification number and a secure password; Start by clicking on the registration link and entering your basic information, including your full name, email address, identification number and a secure password; Log in to the system: Once registered, log in using your email and password to access the application dashboard of the Madani Workers Card; Once registered, log in using your email and password to access the application dashboard of the Madani Workers Card; Submit your application: Click on 'Apply Now' and complete the form with your personal details, union membership information and current employer details; Click on 'Apply Now' and complete the form with your personal details, union membership information and current employer details; Submit for verification: After filling in the required information, submit your application. It will be forwarded to your respective union representative for review and verification; After filling in the required information, submit your application. It will be forwarded to your respective union representative for review and verification; Union review and approval: Your union will verify your membership status and other submitted details. Only applications with valid and accurate information will be approved; Your union will verify your membership status and other submitted details. Only applications with valid and accurate information will be approved; Receive your digital card: Once approved, you will receive access to your digital Madani Workers' Card. It can be downloaded and used immediately via the system; Once approved, you will receive access to your digital Madani Workers' Card. It can be downloaded and used immediately via the system; Scan or display to use: To enjoy the benefits, simply display or scan your card's QR code at any participating outlet during payment. This streamlined process ensures that workers can access meaningful support quickly and without the hassle of paperwork or physical queues. The fully digital approach also aligns with the government's commitment to modern, user-friendly public service delivery. Growing uptake As of July 2025, a total of 172,847 individuals have registered for the Madani Workers' Card, with 147,066 completed applications submitted. So far, 10,863 workers have successfully received their digital cards, while the rest are currently undergoing the verification process by their respective unions. Union Network International-Malaysia Labour Centre (UNIMLC) president Datuk Mohamed Shafie BP Mamal had said that wider participation in labour unions would strengthen workers' bargaining power in terms of incomes, noting that his association represents over 450,000 members across 120 unions nationwide. Workers across sectors can enjoy the benefits, reflecting the government's commitment to inclusive worker support. Inclusive support While early recipients have already begun enjoying their benefits, Kesuma is aiming for one million cardholders by the end of the year — a bold target that reflects the government's strong commitment to worker welfare under the Madani framework. The Madani Workers' Card isn't just about discounts — it's about dignity, recognition and building a support system for those who keep the nation moving. It fosters a culture of appreciation while easing the daily financial burden of Malaysian workers. Whether it's your next grocery run, a family outing, or a healthcare appointment, this card helps you do more with less. So, if you're a member of a registered trade union, there's no reason to wait. Apply now, enjoy the savings and take pride in being part of a more resilient, connected and empowered workforce. For more information, contact the headquarters of the Trade Union Affairs department (JHEKS) or the nearest state office, or email kadpekerjamadani@ Apply now at and enjoy a range of benefits in recognition of your contributions to the nation.
Borneo Post
04-06-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Minister's visit a historic milestone for Sabah workers' union
Sim (centre) during his visit at the Hotel, Resort and Restaurant Workers' Union of Sabah office recently. KOTA KINABALU (June 4): The Hotel, Resort and Restaurant Workers' Union of Sabah has described the recent official visit by Human Resources Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong as a historic moment and a significant gesture of recognition for workers in the state. Its Secretary-General, Mohd Shahbudin Abdullah, said it was the first time a federal minister had ever visited their union office to engage directly with workers, calling the visit a landmark occasion since the union's formation. 'This visit marks a meaningful chapter for us. Never before has any minister come down to meet and listen to the voices of workers here in Sabah. It's truly an honour,' he said in a statement. Shahbudin added that the Prime Minister's title of 'Panglima Pekerja' (Champion of Workers) given to Sim was well-deserved, citing the minister's unwavering dedication towards improving the welfare of workers across the country. One of the key highlights praised by the union is the enforcement of the amended Sabah Labour Ordinance 2025, which was officially gazetted on May 1. According to Shahbudin, the amendment had been long-awaited since 2022, and its realisation is seen as a breakthrough for labour rights in the state. 'For years, we have hoped for parity with our counterparts in Peninsular Malaysia. After the first reading in July 2024, followed by the second and third readings, the amendment was passed in Parliament last December. We are thankful to the minister and the ministry for their tireless efforts in making it a reality,' he said. The union also extended appreciation to the Sabah Labour Department for its role in facilitating the legislative reform. In addition, Shahbudin welcomed the introduction of the Madani Workers' Card, which offers discounts of up to 30 per cent on various essentials, a move aimed at easing the cost of living. However, he urged the ministry to expand the range of participating vendors in Sabah to ensure the benefit is felt more widely by local workers. Touching on the issue of minimum wage, Shahbudin expressed concern over the growing frustration among long-serving employees who continue to receive salaries close to or equal to new entrants. 'The introduction of minimum wage is a good step, but the lack of salary differentiation between experienced and new workers has been demoralising for many. This has been happening for years without a concrete solution. We hope the minister will give this matter due attention,' he added. The union also conveyed its gratitude for being appointed as part of the Sabah Labour Advisory Council (SLAC), calling it a major honour and a platform to further contribute to policymaking that benefits workers. 'We believe in the leadership of the minister and are confident that his commitment will continue to bring positive change for workers, ensuring not only their wellbeing but also a more harmonious and conducive work environment,' he said.
The Star
21-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Minimum wage not sole indicator of worker welfare, says Sim
SHAH ALAM: The minimum wage should not be seen as the only measure of worker welfare, said Human Resources Minister Steven Sim. He said the collective agreement (CA) is a more comprehensive and flexible mechanism for negotiating fair wages and benefits tailored to specific industry contexts. "A CA carries legal weight under the Industrial Relations Act 1967 (Act 177), and employers who fail to comply can face legal action. "It also provides legal protection for both workers and employers, forming the foundation for harmonious and productive industrial relations,' he said in a statement on Wednesday (May 21). Earlier, Sim visited the National Automotive Industry Workers Union (PONSB) as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen strategic collaboration between the government and industry workers at the grassroots level. In the same statement, the Human Resources Ministry said the visit involved discussions on various issues in the automotive sector, including terms of service, current challenges, strategies to boost union membership, digitalisation of union management, and leadership training. "The minister also highlighted several key government initiatives, including the implementation of the Progressive Wage Policy (DGP) and the launch of the Madani Workers' Card, which has registered over 58,000 union members to date. "This card offers a range of benefits, such as discounts on essential goods, healthcare services, and access to skills training,' the ministry added. To support union modernisation, the ministry also provided a RM25,000 grant to PONSB this year under the Trade Union Affairs Programme (PHEKS) for training and ICT equipment. Meanwhile, PONSB president Mohd Azmi Abu Bakar expressed appreciation to Sim, Proton non-executive chairman Tan Sri Syed Faisal Albar Syed Rethza Albar, and its management team for engaging directly with workers during the visit. During the dialogue session, Sim reiterated the crucial role of trade unions as a collective voice in protecting workers' rights and welfare. He also encouraged greater participation in unions to foster solidarity and expand negotiation channels with employers. Mohd Azmi said the ministry expressed its support for PONSB and Proton management in the upcoming negotiations for the 13th Collective Agreement (CA) for the 2025-2027 period, expected to begin in June. "PONSB will submit its initial proposal, which includes a 15 per cent salary adjustment, to ensure improved benefits for its 4,938 members,' he said. - Bernama
The Star
03-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Aiming to boost union memberships nationwide
'CLICK TO ENLARGE' PETALING JAYA: Besides initiatives to increase participation of workers in labour unions, workers groups also urged the government to strengthen the enforcement of labour laws to further uphold the rights of workers. Union Network International-Malaysia Labour Centre (UNIMLC) president Datuk Mohamed Shafie BP Mamal said there are still some employers who avoided paying the new minimum wage of RM1,700, which came into force on Feb 1. He said there are still complaints about employers not paying the minimum wage, not issuing offer letters or failing to pay workers' contributions to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) and Social Security Organisation (PERKESO). 'I urge the government to ensure stricter enforcement of labour laws to uphold the rights of workers,' he said when contacted. Mohamed Shafie also said that with wider participation of workers in labour unions, there will be greater bargaining power in terms of incomes. He pointed out that awareness on unions now is not as significant as in the past. He said this could be due to more government interventions in ensuring the welfare of workers. 'Back then, workers, through unions, would have to fight for their rights, such as decent wages. 'However, nowadays the government has acknowledged that the quality of life has changed and there is a pressing need for better wages and working conditions,' added Mohamed Shafie, whose association has over 450,000 members across 120 labour unions nationwide. Congress of Union of Employees in the Public and Civil Services Malaysia (Cuepacs) secretary- general Abdul Rahman Mohd Nordin agreed that workers' bargaining power will increase in tandem with higher unionisation. 'Unions were the ones who would fight for the rights of workers, including the increase in incomes,' he said. He acknowledged that awareness of the benefits of being a unionised worker is lower now compared to decades ago. For this, Abdul Rahman lauded the government's recent announcement of the Madani Workers' Card initiative or Kad Pekerja Madani, which is expected to benefit a million union members nationwide. He said the initiative will not only protect the welfare of workers but also encourage participation in unions. 'The initiative will ensure that workers feel appreciated and encourage them to actively participate in union activities,' he added. Mohamed Shafie Mohamed Shafie concurred, saying that the initiative will not only help reduce the financial burden of low-income workers but also boost the rate of union memberships. 'This is a good move because while it could help reduce the financial burdens of workers, it could also attract workers to join unions,' he said. Members of all labour unions will be able to enjoy up to 30% discounts on about 100 selected services and products through the Madani Workers' Card. The discounts are expected to benefit about one million union members nationwide. According to the Trade Union Affairs Department, there are slightly over one million unionised workers across public, private and statutory bodies nationwide as of 2023. Meanwhile, the Statistics Department's Labour Force survey showed that in 2023, the total labour force was 16.37 million people. This makes the total number of unionised workers in Malaysia only roughly 6% of the total labour force. Khazanah Research Institute in 2022 showed that a higher density of unionisation would translate to better bargaining power for workers. The think-tank had drawn a comparison between Malaysia and Belgium, where half of its labour force is unionised. The high rate of unionisation of Belgian workers showed that they had 96% better bargaining power compared to Malaysia's labour force of just 0.4%. Mohd Shafie urged employers to treat labour unions as partners instead of 'enemies'. 'If this mentality is ingrained among bosses, I believe that we, as a nation, can achieve greater heights,' he said.
Daily Express
03-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Call for national action plan to tackle worker housing
Call for national action plan to tackle worker housing Kuala Lumpur: The Federation of Malaysian Manufacturing (FMM) has proposed that the government formulate a National Action Plan on Labour Quarters to address the shortage of proper accommodation for workers, especially in key industrial areas and logistics hubs across the country. Its president, Tan Sri Soh Thian Lai, proposed that the action plan be implemented jointly by the Ministry of Housing and Local Government, the Ministry of Human Resources and local authorities. Advertisement 'The current shortfall in Centralised Labour Quarters (CLQ) and Temporary Labour Quarters (TLQ) has impacted both worker welfare and employer compliance with Act 446, which governs minimum standards of housing and amenities,' he said in a statement. He added that employers often face delays in obtaining development approvals and navigating bureaucratic processes, making it difficult to provide workers with safe, regulated living conditions. As such, the FMM recommended three core measures under the proposed action plan, namely the fast-tracking of approvals for CLQ and TLQ development, targeted incentives for employers and developers to build or retrofit proper accommodation, and public-private partnership (PPP) models aligned with local development strategies. 'These measures are essential to ensure that worker housing evolves in tandem with Malaysia's industrial growth,' Soh said. Advertisement On other developments, FMM also praised the government's broader labour reforms, citing the recent drop in unemployment to 3.1 per cent and the increase in female labour force participation to 56.2 per cent as signs of effective policy intervention. Soh said the introduction of the Madani Workers' Card, which offers discounts on essential goods and services, is a significant step forward in integrating social protection into worker benefits. Advertisement Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim when delivering his message in conjunction with the 2025 National Labour Day celebration at Axiata Arena, Bukit Jalil here. Thursday, announced that one million union members will receive discounts of up to 30 per cent from over 100 companies offering essential goods and services through the Madani Workers' Card initiative. 'This is in appreciation of workers for their hard work in carrying out their duties and trust,' Anwar said. In a nod to Malaysia's labour movement history, Soh welcomed the revival of the 'Solidariti Perjuangan' song, penned by Human Resources Minister Steven Sim, which he said serves as a timely reminder of the central role of workers in nation-building.
