PUTRAJAYA: The Social Security Organisation (Socso) has received 33 applications on interim benefit payments from individuals who lost their jobs this year, since the implementation of the Employment Insurance System Act 2017 (Act 800) (EIS) came into force on Monday, according to Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri Richard Riot.
He said a thorough investigation into their claims would be conducted within seven working days and if true, the individuals who lost their jobs will receive cash benefits of RM600 per month for a maximum of three months under the EIS.
“The interim benefits is being funded by the government with an allocation of RM122 million that is being channeled to Socso.
“So if one has lost their job, report it to us,” Riot told reporters after delivering his New Year’s message during the ministry’s monthly assembly, here today.
According to him, the EIS is a social safety net programme involving job insurance and employment services that provides temporary financial benefits, job search, job placement, career counseling and training programmes to help the unemployed find work.
Applicants, he said are also required to participate in the Re-Employment Placement Programme, which is regulated by Socso to increase their productivity.
“This move is being implemented to strengthen social security protection with workers who have lost their jobs and will be specifically assisted in obtaining new jobs through the services provided,” he added.
The implementation of the EIS would benefit and protect the interests of 6.5 million existing employees under the Employees Social Security Act 1969.
“They are automatically protected under this system to ensure that the social security network of retrenched workers are guaranteed,” he said.
Employers who failed to comply with the EIS could be subjected to legal action, including a fine RM10,000, or two years jail, or both if found guilty.
For further information on the EIS, please contact Socso at 1300 22 8000 or visit Socso’s official website at www.perkeso.gov.my/sip from time to time for the latest updates.
