MELAKA: The Human Resources Ministry is studying the introduction of a dedicated mechanism to facilitate post-retirement employment, says minister Steven Sim.

In doing so, the ministry recognised the need to balance opportunities for senior workers with the interests of the younger workforce, he added.

Sim said his ministry is reviewing certain provisions within the Employment Act 1955, considered to be “outdated”, to ensure that returning retirees are given fair protection while also safeguarding hiring and promotion prospects for younger employees.

“We are looking at how to support post-retirement employment in a way that benefits both groups.

“Senior workers today are healthier, living longer and bringing valuable experience but we must also be fair to young people entering the workforce,” he said after presenting RM50,000 in financial aid to St. John Ambulance at Ayer Keroh on Friday (July 4).

Also present were Kota Melaka MP Khoo Poay Tiong, Ayer Keroh assemblyman Kerk Chee Yee and Kota Laksamana rep Low Chee Leong.

Sim said that while suggestions had been received from various quarters on how to encourage seniors to re-enter the job market, the government must carefully assess the legal framework to weigh the pros and cons.

“Our labour law is so old that it dates back to an era when our police officers wore short pants.

“Some provisions are no longer relevant and must be abolished as part of this reform process,” he said.

Sim stressed that any mechanism for hiring retirees must include appropriate protection and safeguards and such measures would be aligned with a broader review of 28 existing labour laws aimed at modernising Malaysia’s labour market.

“We are building a framework that focuses on welfare, skills development and productivity.

“This is part of our commitment to labour market reform,” he added.

Separately, Sim announced that his ministry plans to train 10,000 workers in basic emergency response skills, focusing on those in high-risk sectors.

The initiative, he said, aims to reduce workplace fatalities and disabilities and to enhance compliance with national safety standards.