The LiKES internship grant for SMEs now processes in 14 days with RM2,000 advance payment, aiming to benefit 25,000 trainees over three years
PETALING JAYA: A total of 25,000 trainees are set to benefit from the Internship Placement Matching Grant for Small and Medium Enterprises (LiKES).
Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan said the approval process has been shortened to 14 working days from 90 previously.
An advance payment of RM2,000 has been introduced for each eligible company under the programme.
The initiative is implemented through Talent Corporation Malaysia Berhad (TalentCorp) on a pay-and-claim basis.
It has an allocation of RM30 million over three years starting in 2024.
“The RM2,000 payment will be disbursed from March 1, and companies can expect to receive it within 14 working days,” said Ramanan.
He urged small and medium enterprises and startups to make the most of the opportunity for interns to train and enhance their skills.
Ramanan also provided updates on other ministry matters during the press conference.
He said the implementation of the GIG Workers Act, gazetted on Dec 31, is expected to be finalised soon.
Its implementation is still under discussion, including an additional RM100 million allocation announced for the Skills Development Fund Corporation.
On the RM50 million allocation for upgrading Tamil national-type schools, Ramanan said open tenders would be rolled out in phases.
He explained that renovation work must wait for the bill of quantities before the open tender process can start.
The minister was speaking after visiting TalentCorp headquarters today.
