Kuala lumpur: Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today announced the Progressive Acceleration for Capability and Employment (PACE) Economic Resilience Package, valued at more than RM710 million, as part of efforts to strengthen human capital development and ensure the stability of the national labour market. The Prime Minister stated that PACE is integral to the country's economic resilience strategy.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, PACE comprises four main initiatives and will be implemented through the Ministry of Human Resources (KESUMA). Anwar, speaking at the national-level 2026 Workers' Day celebration at Unifi Arena, Bukit Jalil, also revealed plans to amend the Self-Employment Social Security Act 2017. This amendment aims to expand protection under the Social Security Organisation (Perkeso) to Malaysians working abroad, initially focusing on cross-border workers between Malaysia and Singapore.
The initiative is expected to benefit over 480,000 individuals who commute daily across the Johor Causeway for work. Anwar highlighted the significant risk faced by these workers, noting the average loss of one life every week among cross-border workers. He emphasized the importance of extending Perkeso protection to Malaysians overseas, particularly those working in Singapore.
Anwar further elaborated that PACE includes a RM580 million allocation by Perkeso to enhance the social safety net through Employment Insurance System (EIS) benefits. This initiative aims to assist unemployed workers while boosting their employability. He stressed the necessity of strengthening training and job placement, especially in an era dominated by AI, to maintain competitiveness and productivity among youths and vulnerable groups. The government, through HRD Corp, has allocated RM100 million under the HRD Yakin MADANI programme, supported by MyFutureJobs for job placements.
Additionally, a RM20 million fund has been channelled to the Skills Development Fund Corporation (PTPK) for skills training aimed at gig workers, particularly in the e-hailing and p-hailing sectors. Anwar also announced a RM10 million fund from TalentCorp dedicated to the Industry Training Matching Grant. This initiative supports micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and start-ups offering industrial training placements.