A TOTAL of 188,102 housewives have contributed to the Housewives’ Social Security Scheme (SKSSR) as of September 24, Human Resources Minister V. Sivakumar said.

He said the number comprised 166,666 from B40 families whose contributions were funded by the government and 21,436 voluntary contributors.

“The state-wise data showed that there were 6,636 SKSSR contributors in Pahang,” he said at the MYFutureJobs Career Carnival at Felda Chemomoi in Bentong today.

On the career carnival aimed at reducing the unemployment rate, Sivakumar said this was the third edition after Penang and Selangor and provided 1,168 job opportunities through 18 employers, including those from the manufacturing, service, finance and insurance sectors.

“Job seekers, especially youth from Felda, have the opportunity to explore and choose to attend interviews with any employer available,” he said.

“This programme continues with engagement efforts to provide the Felda community with access to employment, profiling and skills enhancement services.”

He said the unemployment rate was declining and stood at 3.4% as of July, compared to 3.7% in the same period last year.

He said employers hiring individuals in vulnerable categories such as persons with disabilities, women, those who have lost their jobs, the hardcore poor, parolees and former inmates could benefit from the Daya Kerjaya programme, with incentives of up to RM1,800 for three months for each employee hired.

Pahang Menteri Besar Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail said the unemployment rate in Pahang was only 2.8% in the second quarter of this year.

As of September 22, there were 5,385 job vacancies recorded in the state, while 767 people have lost their jobs, he said. – Bernama, September 30, 2023.