KUALA LUMPUR, Dec. 5 -- The Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF) has welcomed Putrajaya's move to extend Socso protection to 24 hours but cautioned that any additional costs must not be shifted onto companies already struggling with rising operating expenses.

MEF president Datuk Syed Hussain Syed Husman said employers support the expanded coverage as it protects workers beyond the workplace, but stressed that implementation must be cost-sensitive.

"We are happy to protect our people, but we must ensure the cost does not burden employers," he said, adding that companies can support wider coverage as long as contributions remain manageable.

MEF's former executive director Datuk Shamsuddin Bardan said the federation was relieved that the ...