Work opportunities through Socso for retrenched staff

KUALA LUMPUR: Dozens of Media Prima Bhd employees who were part of the group’s retrenchment exercise turned up at the Social Security Organisation (Socso) to seek employment opportunities.

Socso, through the Employment Insurance System (EIS), opened its doors as a employment services provider to help those laid off get back on their feet.

Socso chief executive officer Datuk Seri Dr Mohammed Azman Aziz Mohammed (pic) said one of the reasons Socso organised open job interviews nationwide was because of the many cases of employment loss.

“For our Kuala Lumpur office (in Wisma Perkeso at Jalan Tun Razak) alone, we have about 1,052 openings.

“Throughout Malaysia, there are 3,056 vacancies available, with interviews to be held at various Socso state offices until today, ” he said in a press conference here yesterday.

Also in attendance at Socso’s office here were nine employers offering various vacancies for these jobseekers.

Mohammed Azman said in 2019, as many as 40,084 people submitted claims for loss of employment, believed to be due to the impact of digitalisation and automation.

Out of the 40,084 applicants, 35,140 have received EIS payouts totalling RM94.9mil last year, he said.

Mohammed Azman also said 18,745 of the 40,084 applicants were able to find new jobs through Socso.

The session at Socso’s Kuala Lumpur office was specifically held for Media Prima employees, whose retrenchment will take effect in March, though some from other media companies also turned up.

As of noon, around 232 Media Prima employees as well as a handful of staff from other media companies registered with Socso for assistance.

A former Media Prima staff who wished to be known only as Faizal said he was initially upset and worried about being laid off.

“The good thing is that the company will be giving compensation, which is something better than nothing.

“They have also taught us some financial management skills.

“And today, I am here to apply for the EIS. It is something new for me, but it helps to know what the job market is like out there, ” said Faizal, who has been working with Media Prima for 15 years.

A former Utusan Melayu Bhd staff, Desmiaty Aryulis, said EIS is a good thing.

“I want to try new things. I was initially sad because I lost my job but with this initiative by Socso, I feel like there is some hope, ” said the graphic designer who worked with the Malay daily for 13 years.

EIS kicked off on Jan 1,2018, with two components: employment insurance and employment services.

The former provides temporary financial assistance of up to six months, subject to conditions, while the latter helps beneficiaries in securing employment.

Other than the retrenched, employment services is open to all types of job seekers, including graduates and school leavers.