Abstract:

Social protection and policies not only address programs in education, health and social welfare, but they are also aimed at creating resources needed to meet the basic needs of society. The objective of this research is to investigate the existing features of social protection in Malaysia especially for low income citizen and to explore their needs for the reformed social protection. The aim of the study is also examine the government policies on the well-being of the low income citizens in the context of providing necessary social protection. This research employed qualitative method of study where in depth semi-structured interview was conducted in Selangor, Peninsular Malaysia. The data collection process is divided into two phases; first stage is interviewing low income workers which were completed. However, the second phase of data collection with the relevant authority will be held in December 2015 to gather data on the viability of the reformed social protection.  Findings from the respondents indicate that there is a need for protection for unemployed groups due to the retrenchment. They also require comprehensive medical support from the government.  This is a short paper that reported the first stage of findings and the final findings will be published in a due course.