A total of 42,807 people nationwide had lost their jobs as of June 12.
Based on statistics from the Social Security Organisation (Perkeso), the agency approved 134,123 benefit claims under the Employment Insurance System (EIS), with total recommended payouts of RM248.23 million.
The Human Resources Ministry affirmed that the compensation and assistance covered a range of critical allowances intended to provide immediate financial protection for those affected. The benefits include a job search allowance, a reduced income allowance, and an early re-employment allowance. The allocation also covers training fees and training allowance to enable workers to upskill and improve their employability.
Recording the highest number of job losses at 8,702 cases, accounting for 20.7 per cent of the total, the manufacturing sector remained the hardest hit. The downturn was largely a result of rising domestic operating costs and uncertain global demand, which continued to disrupt supply chains.
The wholesale and retail trade sector was the second hardest hit, with 7,560 workers losing their jobs, followed by the administrative and support services sector, where 4,239 individuals were retrenched. In response, the ministry has strengthened Perkeso’s role through the implementation of the Progressive Acceleration for Capability and Employment Economic Resilience Package.
Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan noted that the ministry remained committed to introducing legislative reforms to better protect local workers. Among the measures being undertaken is the enhancement of the Employment Insurance System Act 2017, particularly through a review of benefit payment rates for the early re-employment allowance, training allowance and training fees.
The government has also introduced a new mobility assistance allowance to encourage workforce mobility to areas with stronger labour market demand. “Through Perkeso, the ministry has established a comprehensive social safety net to ensure no worker is left behind in facing the current global uncertainties,” said Ramanan
“Beyond financial assistance, our priority is to ensure workers affected by retrenchment receive immediate support through employment services to help them return to the labour market as quickly as possible.
“Perkeso employment services officers have been tasked with monitoring every case through career counselling, targeted job searches and accurate job matching to ensure the effectiveness of the re-employment process,” he said.
Meanwhile, efforts to strengthen human capital empowerment are also being intensified through upskilling and reskilling programmes tailored to current industry needs.
The effectiveness of the initiative is reflected in the approval of 2,697 applications from insured jobseekers to participate in the modular training programme between January and April 24 this year.
Source: New Strait Times
