ISKANDAR PUTERI: The Human Resources Ministry’s Daya Kerjaya 2.0 programme, facilitated by the Social Security Organisation (Perkeso), is set to provide support for vulnerable groups, including former inmates, persons with disabilities, retirees, and senior citizens. This initiative aims to offer employment opportunities with higher value wages to these groups.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Johor Investment, Trade, Consumer Affairs and Human Resources Committee chairman Lee Ting Han revealed that since January, 836 senior citizens in Johor have secured jobs through the programme, involving 541 employers with a recommended incentive payment of RM4.5 million. This was in response to a query by Rashidah Ramli (BN-Parit Raja) regarding the expansion of policies to allow insured individuals aged 60 to 65 to receive contribution benefits.

Lee further mentioned that employers receive special incentives of RM1,500 for six months for hiring from these targeted groups. This initiative comes as KESUMA and Perkeso
recognize Malaysia’s impending status as an ageing nation by 2030, when 15.3 per cent of the population will be aged 60 and above.

The ministry is currently exploring strategies to enhance the social security system for all workers, particularly in the private sector and among the self-employed, to mitigate post-retirement financial crises due to insufficient savings. This effort is part of the Human Resources Policy framework for 2025-2030.

Lee emphasized that the ministry and Perkeso, through collaboration with the state government, are committed to ensuring that vulnerable groups remain a vital part of the country’s labor force. The Daya Kerjaya 2.0 programme is specifically designed to help these groups secure job opportunities.