NST Leader: Help workers go where the jobs are
As the Malaysian economy climbs the value chain, nothing matters more than a labour force that is welltrained, agile, and above all, highly mobile across the country.
The Malaysian economy is evolving, moving up the value chain, and companies are demanding a workforce that is not only well-trained but also flexible and able to move around the country. In recognition of this, the government has decided to offer a one-time RM1,000 Mobility Assistance allowance to Social Security Organisation (Perkeso) contributors who are willing to take jobs more than 100km away from their homes.
This is a step in the right direction, making the employment safety net more responsive to today's labour market. The idea is simple: go where the job is. However, the distance to the job, relocation, transport, new accommodation, and other initial costs should not act as a deterrent to matching job opportunities with job seekers.
This allowance is part of a broader effort to improve the Employment Insurance Scheme, including increasing the Early Re-employment Allowance to 50% of the remaining Job Search Allowance, upping the daily training allowance to RM30, and raising the maximum training fee to RM7,000. It is crucial to regularly review the RM1,000 allowance instead of waiting for costs to rise significantly.
The distance and regional variables must also be taken into account, as the value of the allowance can vary greatly depending on how far the job seeker moves, whether within a state or across the South China Sea. For instance, moving within Sarawak could involve a distance of 1,000km over challenging terrain.
The Malaysian Employers Federation has emphasized the importance of accessibility, awareness, and timely pay-out for this allowance. Ideally, the application process should be simplified, with clear communication about eligibility, required documentation, and payment timelines. This process should be digital to make it more convenient for applicants.
Additionally, the allowance should be more closely linked to job matching. Perkeso already offers employment services and matches unemployed contributors with vacancies through MYFutureJobs. The allowance could be strategically designed to encourage job-seekers to consider suitable vacancies beyond their immediate vicinity.
Perkeso should also monitor and measure the allowance's effectiveness. They should publish data on takeup rates, types of jobs secured, destinations, and whether recipients remain employed. This will help ensure the allowance is not just a one-off incentive but a dynamic tool that reflects the ever-changing employment scene and the evolving needs of workers.
As industries like data centers and artificial intelligence continue to grow, it is essential for Perkeso and the Human Resources Ministry to assess where jobs will appear (and disappear) and ensure workers are well-prepared to adjust to these changes. Both employees and employers must strive to stay ahead of the curve as the economy continues to transform.
Written by urgent.news from New Straits Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
