Human Resource Minister tables bill to enhance PERKESO benefits, including new mobility allowance and increased training support for job seekers.
KUALA LUMPUR: Human Resource Minister Steven Sim has tabled the Employment Insurance System (Amendment) Bill 2025 for its first reading in the Dewan Rakyat.
This proposed legislation aims to strengthen Malaysia’s social protection framework and expand employment services for more citizens.
The minister confirmed the bill’s second reading will occur during the current parliamentary session.
The Human Resource Ministry stated the amendments seek to enhance benefits for Social Security Organisation contributors facing job loss.
These changes also aim to promote labour mobility while improving PERKESO’s operational efficiency in re-employment programmes.
The amendments will strengthen governance of the Employment Insurance System through multiple improvements.
“Through these amendments, several improvements have been introduced, including higher existing benefits and a new benefit known as the mobility assistance allowance,” the ministry said in a statement.
Contributors who lose employment will receive protection and training support valued up to 25,000 Malaysian ringgit.
The ministry further detailed the proposed amendments’ specific benefit enhancements.
Contributors securing employment over 100 kilometres from home will receive a one thousand Malaysian ringgit mobility assistance allowance payment.
The early re-employment allowance will increase to 50% of the remaining job search allowance balance from the previous 25%.
Training allowances will rise to 30 Malaysian ringgit daily from the previous 10 to 20 Malaysian ringgit range.
Training fees will increase to 7,000 Malaysian ringgit from the current 4,000 Malaysian ringgit maximum.
These proposed amendments align with the Cabinet’s decision to review the Employment Insurance System Act 2017.
The review ensures the system remains dynamic and responsive to current labour market requirements. – Bernama
