MORE than RM5.2 billion has been distributed to Malaysians via the wage-subsidy scheme, which assisted employers to retain staff during the Covid-19 pandemic, said M. Saravanan.

The human resources minister said the programme started with an initial RM5 billion but was bumped up to RM13.8 billion.

“Until June 30, more than 38% or RM5.2 billion has been distributed to 31,900 employers for 2.6 million workers,” he said in the Dewan Rakyat today.

Among the industries which applied for the wage subsidy was the services industry with 29% of the total applications.

Saravanan said Perikatan Nasional was caring enough to introduce multiple cash injections to keep Malaysians afloat.

“PN under the leadership of (the) PM has taken proactive measures by introducing measures which includes employment-retention programme and wage subsidy.”

The Tapah MP said since January, more than 48,000 people have lost their jobs according to the Perkeso’s employment insurance scheme.

Several days ago, Malaysian Employers’ Federation executive director Shamsuddin urged Putrajaya to extend the wage subsidy till year-end. – July 14, 2020.