From today onwards (1 October), eligible Malaysians who lose their jobs can access improved benefits under amendments to the Employment Insurance System Act 2017 (Act 800), including a new RM1,000 one-off mobility allowance.
The changes were gazetted, according to Kosmo! , on 15 September and are expected to benefit more than seven million contributors under Social Security Organisation (PERKESO)’s Employment Insurance Scheme (SIP).
New RM1,000 aid for jobs more than 100km away
According to PERKESO, one of the biggest changes is the introduction of the Mobility Assistance Allowance (EBM).
Eligible contributors who lose their jobs, receive SIP benefits and subsequently secure a new job located more than 100km from their home can receive a one-off payment of RM1,000.
This could come in handy for Malaysians who have to travel or relocate for work after being retrenched, especially when moving to another state or a different part of the country comes with plenty of upfront costs.
Applications can be made online through the LINDUNG Kerjaya portal or at any nearby PERKESO counter.
Other benefits have also been increased
The amendments also includes higher payouts for several existing benefits.
- The Early Return to Work Allowance (EBSA) has been increased to 50% of the remaining Job Search Allowance (EMP), up from 25% previously.
- Meanwhile, the maximum Training Fee has been raised from RM4,000 to RM7,000, while the Training Allowance has increased to RM30 per day.
In other words, the changes are not just about providing temporary financial assistance while someone is unemployed. They are also intended to help contributors retrain, upgrade their skills and get back into employment sooner.
PERKESO said the improved benefits are worth an average of around RM3,300 per person, and are expected to benefit more than seven million contributors.
The support will also be complemented by career-matching services through MYFutureJobs, career counselling, reskilling, upskilling and mobility assistance.
With job changes and retrenchments being an increasingly familiar reality for workers, these amendments aim to make the period between losing one job and finding the next one a little less financially painful.
What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments!
Also read: PM Anwar: Nearly 4 In 10 EPF Members On Track To Reach RM390,000 By 60, Govt Aims 6 In 10 By 2030
