THE RM5.9 billion Wage Subsidy Programme, which aims to alleviate the burden of employers and maintain jobs, is expected to benefit some 3.3 million employees.

In announcing the RM250 billion economic stimulus package today, Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin said the programme specifically caters to employees with a salary of below RM4,000, and employers who have seen a 50% drop in income since January 1, 2020.

The government will provide RM600 for each affected worker for a period of three months.

“Employers must ensure that they do not terminate workers or instruct them to take unpaid leave for three months after the programme is implemented.

“In addition to that, employers are not allowed to cut their workers existing salary,” he said.

As for e-hailing drivers, they will be given a one-off aid of RM500.

“I know the daily income of full time e-hailing drivers are also affected by the movement-control order. To alleviate their burden, the government will give 120,000 e-hailing drivers a one-off aid of RM500,” he said.

It was announced in the previous economic stimulus package that taxi drivers will receive a one-off payment of RM600 from April. – March 27, 2020.