by DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Nov 5: Workers who lose their jobs may soon receive up to RM1,000 in mobility assistance under the proposed Employment Insurance System (Amendment) Bill 2025, said the Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC) Sarawak Division.
The aid is intended to help affected workers relocate or commute for new employment located far from their original place of residence.
MTUC Sarawak welcomed the introduction of the new Mobility Assistance Allowance (EBM) and other enhancements to existing benefits announced by the Minister of Human Resources in the Dewan Rakyat on Nov 3, describing the move as timely and vital in strengthening Malaysia’s social protection framework.
In a recent statement, the division said the amendment to the Employment Insurance System Act 2017 (Act 800) represents a positive step towards assisting workers who lose their jobs due to labour market shifts and ongoing economic challenges.
It noted that, apart from the newly proposed mobility aid, the amendment also introduces several improvements, including an increase in the Training Allowance (EL) to RM30 per day, the Training Fee (FL) to RM7,000, and the Early Re-Employment Allowance (EBSA) from 25 per cent to 50 per cent of the remaining Job Search Allowance (EMP).
“These enhancements will not only encourage labour mobility but also expedite the re-employment process for affected PERKESO contributors,” the statement said.
MTUC Sarawak added that the proposed amendment demonstrates the government’s continued commitment to maintaining an inclusive, sustainable and responsive social protection system that caters to the evolving needs of the workforce.
The division also called for the amendments to be implemented through a holistic approach involving continuous engagement with trade unions, to ensure that the benefits are effectively channelled to all segments of the workforce.
“With these proposed changes, we believe the government and PERKESO’s efforts to strengthen employment protection will further boost workers’ confidence in the nation’s social security policies and reinforce overall labour market stability,” it added. —DayakDaily
