Latest news with #MYFutureJobsCareerandEntrepreneurshipCarnival
The Sun
6 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Socso helps 4,105 ex-convicts find work since 2020
NIBONG TEBAL: A total of 4,105 former prisoners have successfully reintegrated into society through the Social Security Organisation's (Socso) career-matching program from 2020 to July 2024. Human Resources Minister Steven Sim highlighted that the initiative supports national efforts to reduce reliance on foreign labour by tapping into local talent, including rehabilitated individuals. The manufacturing, construction, agriculture, food services, and wholesale and retail trade sectors have absorbed the highest number of these job seekers. Sim noted that Malaysia's workforce comprises 16.78 million people, with foreign workers making up 13.7 per cent of the total. 'This underscores the need to utilise local potential inclusively, including former inmates,' he said during the MYFutureJobs Career and Entrepreneurship Carnival at the Seberang Perai Prison Complex. The event, a collaboration between Socso and the Prisons Department, featured 20 employers offering 1,080 vacancies. Nine public and private agencies also provided entrepreneurship programs. Since 2020, Socso's Daya Kerjaya program has placed 2,604 individuals in jobs, with RM12 million disbursed in employer incentives. Sim emphasised the government's commitment through the Active Labour Market Stimulus Policy, which offers RM600 monthly for three months to employers hiring ex-convicts. Socso also signed an MoU with six industry associations to expand job opportunities for rehabilitated individuals. Present at the event were Prisons Commissioner-General Datuk Abdul Aziz Abdul Razak, Socso Chairman Datuk Seri Subahan Kamal, and CEO Datuk Seri Dr Mohammed Azman Aziz Mohammed. – Bernama
The Sun
6 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Only one bus driver filed wage complaint in 2025, says Sim
NIBONG TEBAL: The Human Resources Ministry (KESUMA) has recorded only one complaint this year from a bus driver regarding non-payment of the RM1,700 minimum wage. Minister Steven Sim revealed that the complaint was filed in the first half of 2025, with no similar reports received in 2024. Despite the low number of complaints, enforcement action was taken against Penawar Express Line Bhd for failing to comply with the minimum wage policy. Sim stressed that adherence to the minimum wage is not optional but a legal requirement. 'We urge all employers to comply with the minimum wage. This is not a recommendation, but a legal requirement set by the government and must be strictly enforced,' he said during a press conference after launching the MYFutureJobs Career and Entrepreneurship Carnival at the Seberang Perai Prison Complex. Sim added that the Labour Department conducts regular inspections and surveys to ensure employers follow labour laws, including wage regulations. His statement came in response to concerns over reports of bus drivers earning as little as RM700 monthly, relying on travel allowances and overtime to supplement their income. – Bernama
New Straits Times
6 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Over 4,000 former inmates returned to work force
NIBONG TEBAL: A total of 4,105 former inmates who completed their sentences and rehabilitation between 2020 and July 9 have rejoined the workforce, thanks to job-matching efforts by the Social Security Organisation (Perkeso). Human Resources Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong said most of them found employment in sectors such as manufacturing, construction, agriculture, food services, as well as wholesale and retail trade. He said Perkeso's initiative reflected the urgent need to utilise local manpower more inclusively and comprehensively, recognising the potential of these prospects as productive contributors to society and the economy. "This initiative is a joint effort with the Prisons Department and the Home Ministry to provide a second chance through job placements for former inmates and individuals who have previously been incarcerated. "So, in this two-day programme, around 20 employers are involved, offering over 1,000 job opportunities. About 600 prospects have registered for job interviews, and so far, 400 have been hired or placed in jobs," Sim welcomed the commitment expressed by the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM) and the Federation of Malaysian Business Associations (FMBA), which pledged to provide 4,500 job opportunities for prospects this year. He also expressed his appreciation to the Prisons Department for its cooperation in organising 263 job fairs between 2023 and May 2025, aimed at providing a fresh start for these individuals. This marks the second large-scale edition of the carnival, following the first held at Kajang Prison last year, which involved 350 inmates from the central zone. This year, the carnival has been expanded to the northern zone, with 600 soon-to-be-released prospects participating —comprising 550 men and 50 women — from 10 prisons and correctional centres. The event involves 20 employers offering 37 types of positions, totaling over 1,000 vacancies. As part of the carnival, Perkeso also signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with six major associations: FMM, FMBA, Malaysia Retailers Association (MRA), Malaysia Budget & Business Hotel Association (MyBHA), Federation of Motor & Credit Companies of Malaysia (FMCCAM) and Balai Ikthisas Malaysia (BIM). These MoUs open up more job opportunities for former inmates who have undergone rehabilitation and training programmes. The initiative is aimed at helping this group return to the workforce and rebuild their lives. He said this at the launch of the MYFutureJobs Career and Entrepreneurship Carnival held at the Seberang Prai Prison Complex in Jawi here. Also present were Prisons Commissioner General Datuk Abdul Aziz Abdul Razak, Perkeso Board chairman Datuk Seri Subahan Kamal and Perkeso Group chief executive officer Datuk Seri Dr Mohammed Azman Aziz Mohammed. One of the prospects, who was charged with drug possession, was sentenced to five years in prison and now out on parole and working at a factory in Perlis, said he is determined to turn a new leaf and grateful for the job. "I used to work in a restaurant but I made a mistake and had to pay the price for it. I am sorry for what I did and am glad to be given an opportunity to start over. "I am now on parole and work at a factory in Perlis packing fertiliser," he said when met. He added that if he had to look for work on his own,people might not take kindly to his past.
