Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM) central committee member Choo Chon Kai said the government should not depend on the private sector to set up care centres for children, the elderly, the disabled, people with mental health problems and those who are ill.

Government-linked companies should invest in setting up these centres, he said.

“Even the state government can adopt this job guarantee scheme as well. For example the Penang state government via its Penang Development Corporation can set up childcare centres,” he added after a “flash mob” event to mark Labour Day.

PSM outlined several demands, among which were a RM1,000 universal basic income to be provided to working class Malaysians badly affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.

The party also called for recognition of freelance and casual workers under the Employment Act, a RM500 per month pension scheme for those who are 65 years and above, and employment insurance for workers employed on fixed-term contracts.