Mobility aid will help overcome ‘geographical barriers’ to employment, says group

Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF) has endorsed a one-off RM1,000 mobility assistance allowance for Perkeso contributors who find jobs more than 100km from home. The allowance, set to commence on Oct 1 via amendments to the Employment Insurance System Act 2017, aims to alleviate geographical barriers to employment and improve the alignment of workers with job vacancies.

Syed Hussain Syed Husman, MEF's senior adviser for government, media and international engagement, noted that not all job opportunities arise within commuting distance from workers' homes, making the allowance crucial for addressing relocation costs. He emphasized the importance of accessibility, awareness, and timely delivery for the success of the scheme, urging Perkeso to communicate clearly about eligibility, application procedures, and payment timelines.

Syed Hussain also applauded other enhancements to the EIS, such as raising the early re-employment allowance to 50% of the remaining job search allowance and increasing the daily training allowance from RM10 to RM30. The government is encouraged to monitor the take-up and outcomes of the mobility allowance, including the jobs secured and the long-term employment status of recipients, to evaluate the program's effectiveness and guide future improvements.