KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 8 – The Editor-in-Chief of Ottran GK News and activist, Dato’ G Kumaar Aamaan, has questioned the government’s announcement that workers involved in workplace accidents will no longer have to pay for treatment at PERKESO panel clinics. While this initiative appears pro-worker, he argues that many critical questions remain unanswered by the Minister of Human Resources, Steven Sim Chee Keong.
Why Is It Limited to Workplace Accidents Only?
“Why does this exemption only apply to workplace accident cases? What about workers who fall ill due to work stress or unhealthy working conditions? Are their lives less valuable?” asked Dato’ G Kumaar Aamaan.
He emphasized that many workers, especially those in lower-income sectors such as laborers and factory workers, often suffer from job-related health issues that are not fully covered by PERKESO.
Will Employers Be Burdened?
He also raised concerns that this system might place financial pressure on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which previously had to cover workers’ treatment costs before claiming reimbursement from PERKESO.
“The government must clarify whether employers will face any negative impact from this policy. If panel clinics experience payment delays from PERKESO, who will bear the consequences?” he asked.
According to him, if the payment system is inefficient, panel clinics may refuse to accept PERKESO patients, ultimately disadvantaging the workers themselves.
Are There Enough Panel Clinics?
With only 1,400 panel clinics nationwide, Dato’ G Kumaar Aamaan also questioned whether the facilities would be sufficient to accommodate the large number of workers in need of treatment.
“What about workers in rural areas? Will they have to travel long distances just to access free treatment?” he further questioned.
Demanding Full Explanation from Minister Sim
As an activist advocating for workers’ rights, he urged Minister Steven Sim to provide a detailed explanation of how this scheme will be implemented fairly and comprehensively.
“The government must ensure that this policy genuinely addresses workers’ issues and is not just a political gimmick. We need a more comprehensive social protection system, not just minor changes that still leave many workers unprotected,” he stressed.
He insisted that the government must hold discussions with all stakeholders, including worker representatives, employers, and healthcare providers, before making decisions that affect public welfare.
Ottran GK News will continue monitoring this development and ensure that workers’ voices are not sidelined in government policies.