Kerteh:The Ministry of Human Resources (KESUMA) has initiated measures to protect the rights of 372 workers affected by the closure of CJ Bio Malaysia's plant in Kerteh, Terengganu, starting October 15.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, KESUMA is working through the Department of Labour of Peninsular Malaysia (JTKSM) and the Social Security Organisation (PERKESO) to help these workers transition to new employment opportunities.
JTKSM is ensuring compliance with termination procedures, focusing on the payment of wages and termination benefits. They are monitoring the execution of the termination process to confirm adherence to the Employment Act 1955 and its regulations.
CJ Bio Malaysia has committed to safeguarding the rights and welfare of the affected workers. Meanwhile, PERKESO has been conducting profiling sessions, providing briefings on the Employment Insurance System (EIS) benefits, and assisting with applications and registration on the MYFutureJobs portal.
As of yesterday, 224 workers have participated in these sessions, which include upskilling programs to help identify suitable employment opportunities. The sessions are set to continue until tomorrow to complete the profiling process for all affected workers.
CJ Bio Malaysia, a South Korean biotechnology company, is gradually ceasing operations at its Kerteh site due to global economic challenges, such as increasing raw material costs and stiff competition from international producers, particularly in China.
Early intervention efforts have successfully placed affected workers at CHEC Construction through a career carnival organized by PERKESO at Dungun Polytechnic. Additionally, three local companies have shown interest in hiring the workers, with PERKESO finalizing job-matching details based on qualifications and skills.
Redeployment efforts are also underway, led by the Terengganu Human Resource Development Centre (T-HRDC) in partnership with the Terengganu state government. The Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) is seeking potential new investors to take over the operations at the site, with the state government helping to manage issues related to the leased land.