On the ground: Sim (with red cap) having a light moment with prisoners who are being interviewed by company representatives during the MyFutureJobs Career and Entrepreneurship Carnival at Seberang Perai Prison complex in Jawi. — ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star
NIBONG TEBAL: A few years ago, M. Muniesvaran was sentenced to five years in prison for a drug-related offence.
Now out on parole, he has been working at a fertiliser factory in Perlis for six weeks.
Determined to turn over a new leaf, the 44-year-old is happy at his workplace, where he feels respected and earns enough to get by.
“I used to run a restaurant but I made a mistake and had to pay the price. I’m grateful for the chance to start over,” he said.
Muniesvaran credited MyFutureJobs for helping him secure employment.
“Accommodation and food are provided, and I’m genuinely enjoying this transition.
“Looking for work on my own would have been tough because of my past.
“This opportunity let me move forward and rebuild my life,” he said when met at the MyFutureJobs Career and Entrepreneurship Carnival at the Seberang Perai prison complex yesterday.
Human Resources Minister Steven Sim, who launched the programme, said that 20 employers were offering 1,080 job vacancies, while another nine public and private agencies were providing assistance and entrepreneurship programmes to job seekers.
“This is our commitment to making sure no one is left behind.
“My aspiration is simple.
“I want all workers to be treated with respect and dignity, and return home safely after work.
“This aligns with the values of the Madani government,” he said.
Sim noted that from 2020 to July 9, 2025, a total of 4,105 individuals have secured employment through the initiative, including 933 between January and July 9 this year.
He said the top five sectors employing former inmates are manufacturing; food and beverage services; wholesale and retail trade; vehicle repair; and agriculture, forestry and fisheries.
“Employers will receive a special incentive of RM600 per month for three months.
“This is to encourage the placement of higher-paying jobs for vulnerable groups, starting with the recruitment of new employees from Dec 1, 2024,” he said before witnessing the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the Social Security Organisation (PERKESO) and six associations.
The six associations are Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM), Federation of Malaysian Business Associations (FMBA), Malaysia Retailers Association (MRA), Malaysia Budget and Business Hotel Association (MyBHA), Federation of Motor and Credit Companies Associations of Malaysia (FMCCAM) and Balai Ikhtisas Malaysia (BIM).
Sim said that FMM and FMBA have pledged to provide 4,500 job opportunities for former inmates this year.
MyFutureJobs, through its “Second Chance” initiative, actively supports ex-offenders by offering career counselling, skills-based job matching and access to various support services.
Employers are encouraged to hire individuals from vulnerable groups – including ex-offenders – with financial incentives and ongoing support provided to both employers and employees.
The initiative aims to boost job opportunities, skills and support for parolees, prisoners under supervision, persons released on licence and ex-convicts.
