EIS benefits rise to RM25,000 as Perkeso steps up support for jobseekers

KOTA BHARU, Oct 18 — The Employment Insurance System (EIS) provided by Malaysia's Social Security Organisation (Perkeso) offers financial aid, career guidance, and assistance in securing new jobs for workers who have lost their positions. EIS deputy chief executive (Operations) Azirruan Arifin reported that 117,733 jobseekers found employment in diverse industries between January and August 14, 2023, through Perkeso's employment support services.

These services encompass career counseling, job searches and matching, registration and placement via MYFutureJobs, open interviews, career fairs, and resume preparation guidance. "These services enable contributors to promptly access job opportunities that align with their experience, skills, and labor market requirements," Azirruan stated to Bernama.

For those requiring skill upgrades, EIS offers training support via active labor market programs, such as reskilling and upskilling to enhance employability. One key challenge for Perkeso is aiding jobseekers in quickly securing new employment, especially when their skills and experience do not align with industry demands. To tackle these obstacles, Perkeso offers financial and training assistance to bolster jobseekers' prospects of finding employment.

Hamdi Ismail, a 54-year-old EIS beneficiary, shared how the support enabled him to transition from a banking job to entrepreneurship. Hamdi, who started working as a bank clerk in 1993 before leaving in November 2018 to start his own mango float drink and sausage business, received EIS assistance during his career shift, aiding him in planning ahead.

He emphasized that preparing mango floats involves selecting high-quality mangoes and selling them for RM2 to RM3.50 per cup, contingent on size. Hamdi also highlighted that his prior contributions to Perkeso financed his business, urging more Malaysians to contribute for future protection. Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan previously announced that Perkeso would augment EIS benefits, allowing contributors to receive financial protection and support up to RM25,000, effective from October 1.