Malaysian banks offer loan moratorium and assistance to SMEs
SMEs adversely hit by the full lockdown can now enroll in the Targeted Repayment Assistance (TRA) programme offered by banks.
Malaysia urged to extend COVID-19 subsidy till year-end
The government has been asked to extend the wage subsidy programme throughout all phases of MCO and [Conditional] MCO, or at least till December.
Malaysia unveils RM$40 billion stimulus package
RM$2.1 billion (US$0.51 billion) will be distributed to lower-income workers who earn less than RM5,000 (US$1,212) each month.
Malaysia mulls giving more power to JTKSM to police WFH SOP
The Department of Labour could be given more authority to penalise companies who fail to comply to WFH orders.
Malaysian SMEs told to self-enforce MCO SOPs
Businesses have been told to form their own internal audit committees to ensure compliance to the stricter SOPs under the MCO.
Malaysia calls on small businesses to prepare operating under stricter SOPs
These include making sure that premises are equipped with a safe entry QR code, thermometers and hand sanitisers
Malaysia announces RM$200m to fight COVID-19
This brings the total amount of a COVID-19 response fund to RM$65 billion, most of which has been allocated to save jobs and subsidise daily expenses.
Full lockdown in Malaysia may cause 40% of SMEs to close down
The government has further tightened MCO measures, which include a mandate of more WFH arrangements and a cap on operating hours.
Malaysian agency to enhance workforce’s digital skills
The Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation remains committed to elevating the digital skills of workers, thereby boosting the country’s competitiveness.
Malaysia’s latest MCO keeps economy open to avert unemployment
The decision not to have a full lockdown that shuts down the economy will help prevent rising unemployment that could affect 1 million people.
Malaysian MP urges government to grant loan moratorium to save jobs
Klang MP Charles Santiago has called on the government to grant a six-month moratorium on loans to save small businesses and jobs.
Malaysian companies must allow staff to self-quarantine
Employers in Malaysia have been warned that they risk closure if staff are not allowed to self-quarantine while waiting for COVID-19 screening results.
Travel for work in Malaysia only allowed with proper documentation
In an effort to curb the spread of COVID-19 in Malaysia, the government has imposed a nationwide movement control order.
Socso to protect self-employed in Malaysia by year-end
The Social Security Organisation (Socso) has announced plans to protect 200,000 active self-employed individuals by the end of this year.
Malaysia approved wage subsidies worth US$3.12 billion
The government’s Wage Subsidy Programme 1.0 (PSU 1.0) has approved wage subsidies of RM12.86 (US$3.12 billion) as of April 23.
Malaysia imposes MCO with 30% of staff allowed in offices in Selangor
Businesses in six Selangor districts will be allowed to have 30% of staff present in offices from May 6 till May 17 under the latest movement control order.
Malaysian employers group appeals to delay minimum wage review
Now is not the right time to review the minimum wage as this will add to costs of doing business, said the MEF president.
Malaysian unions urge for better employee welfare amid pandemic
Congress of Unions of Employees in the Public and Civil Services (Cuepacs) has called for the revision of minimum wages and the remuneration system.
Malaysian companies urged to lodge concerns on regulatory barriers
The MyMudah platform, launched last July, aims to alleviate the economic impact of COVID-19 on local enterprises and international businesses.
Malaysia aims to have 50 SMEs join its business improvement programme
SMEs selected for the programme will undergo capacity building and be eligible to receive financial assistance of up to RM500,000.
Employers’ group in Malaysia says vaccination should remain voluntary
The Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF) has said vaccinations are still on a voluntary basis unless the government makes it mandatory for workers.
8.8% of Malaysian workers paid below minimum wage
8.8% of workers in the country are paid a basic salary below the RM1,200 (US$291) monthly minimum wage.
Employers in Malaysia failed to meet standard housing requirements
Offences include uncertified accommodation, non-compliance with local authority laws and not providing rest and dining areas to employees.
Malaysia boosts social enterprise growth
Through a new initiative, the government aims to provide a level playing field for social impact firms by supporting their job creation and innovation efforts.
Malaysia’s HR Development Fund aims to provide 50,000 job placements
It aims to work with employers, employers’ associations and career strategic partners nationwide to achieve its job target.
Malaysia approves COVID-19 vaccination leave
Human resources minister Datuk Seri M. Saravanan has given the green light allowing employers to give their staff leave for getting vaccinated.
Unemployment in Malaysia dropped slightly to 4.8% in February
The sectors of wholesale and retail trade, education, and human health and social work saw a continuous increase in employment.
Malaysia mulls giving a day off for employees to get jab
The Human Resources Ministry and the Ministry of Health are deliberating whether employees should be given an off-day to get their COVID-19 inoculations.
Malaysia announces RM100 million in training and salary incentives
The initiative, by the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), is aimed at boosting the digital business industry and to nurture quality tech talent.
Malaysia’s unemployment rate expected to ease to 4.3% in 2021
Despite the improved outlook, the labour market is constrained by factors such as
a mismatch between qualifications and job opportunities.