HUMAN Resources Minister M. Saravanan said the ministry will soon unveil a comprehensive plan to ensure the smooth implementation of initiatives under the National Economic Recovery Plan (Penjana).

He expressed hope that the initiatives to be implemented via the Social Security Organisation (Socso) and Human Resources Development Fund (HRDF) will help workers keep their jobs.

“The ministry welcomes the announcement on Penjana by Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin on Friday, and is committed to implementing and ensuring the success of all initiatives related to the ministry.

“Employees can seize the opportunity to enhance their skills through the various programmes provided by the ministry.

“This will add value to the workforce and improve job-matching potential, besides increasing the marketability of employees,” he said in a statement today.

Among the initiatives are the extension of the Wage Subsidy Programme, introduction of the Employment Incentive Programme, provision of matching grants to protect workers in the gig economy, and improvements to the National Employment Services Portal under Socso.

“The Wage Subsidy Programme has been extended for another three months, involving an allocation of RM5 billion, to help companies, especially small and medium enterprises, continue operations without taking drastic measures like shutting down the business or laying off workers,” said Saravanan.

“This initiative is expected to help more than 2.7 million local workers.”

He said the Employment Incentive Programme, with an allocation of RM1.5 billion, will encourage companies to provide jobs to locals, and this is set to benefit more than 300,000 unemployed people.

“Mobility assistance and training programmes in collaboration with HRDF will be provided to the unemployed and those not contributing to Socso, including school-leavers and university graduates.”

He said the ministry will provide matching grants amounting to RM50 million for contribution payments under Socso’s Self-Employment Social Security Scheme to protect gig workers for a year.

“In support of the flexible working system implemented during the Covid-19 pandemic, the government has also introduced the Employment Injury Scheme to protect workers in case of work-related accidents at home.

“All of these measures will be implemented by Socso effective June 15.”

He added that the ministry will conduct inspections to ensure employers protect workers’ rights and welfare.

“Everybody needs to play their role and take responsibility as part of efforts to empower the people.” – Bernama, June 7, 2020.