PETALING JAYA: Hasnah Mohamed and Siti Aisyah Azman were thrilled to hear news that those seeking employment that requires them to relocate are eligible for an incentive.
While the cousins, who hail from Pendang, Kedah, are ecstatic to be employed, they are worried about the cost of relocation. Their parents are self-employed who do not earn much.
“When it was announced there is a RM1,000 incentive for people like us, we are so happy.
“We may not know the details yet but we hope to get more information soon, especially if we are eligible,” said Siti Aisyah.
When tabling Budget 2026, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced that job seekers or fresh graduates with job offers which require them to relocate will be given an incentive from PERKESO.
HR Forum co-founder S Arulkuma described the initiative as a “practical move” to ease mobility and reduce unemployment friction.
He also welcomed other initiatives by PERKESO, such as including public transport and cargo drivers in the health screening programme and increasing the maximum rate for haemodialysis treatments.
However, he warned that sustainability remains a key concern as recurrent matching and subsidy schemes could become long-term fiscal burdens if not planned appropriately.
“Without careful fiscal planning and impact evaluation, well-intended handouts risk turning into structural commitments that strain future budgets.
“It is also important to note the potential financial strain on PERKESO,” he said.
The Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF) has welcomed the matching contributions for the expanded i-Saraan Plus scheme for gig workers, e-hailing and p-hailing drivers that will see them receive matching contributions of up to RM600 a year or RM6,000 for life.
“However, MEF stresses the importance of maintaining the voluntary nature of such schemes and avoiding measures that may inadvertently increase cost burdens on platform-based companies,” it said.
Under the regime, other informal workers or those who are self-employed will continue to receive up to RM500 per year or RM5,000 for life under the existing i-Saraan scheme.
EPF said the newly introduced i-Saraan Plus builds on the success of the i-Saraan programme, and will be tailored for e-hailing and p-hailing drivers.
