Kuala lumpur: The tabling of the Employment Insurance System (Amendment) Bill 2025 in Parliament today reflects the government's continued commitment to ensuring that the country's social protection system remains inclusive, sustainable, and resilient. Union Network International-Malaysian Liaison Council (UNI-MLC) president Datuk Mohamed Shafie BP Mammal highlighted that this move strengthens the role of the Human Resources Ministry (KESUMA) in protecting workers and helping them return to the job market more swiftly and effectively.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the amendment to the bill aims to enhance benefits for Social Security Organisation (PERKESO) contributors who have lost their jobs, promote workforce mobility, improve PERKESO's operational efficiency in executing re-employment programs, and bolster the governance of the Employment Insurance System (EIS). The amendment introduces several improvements, including an increase in existing benefit rates and the introduction of a new benefit, the Mobility Assistance Allowance (EBM), which offers protection and training support of up to RM25,000 for contributors who have lost their jobs.

Mohamed Shafie stated that the UNI-Malaysia Labour Centre (UNI-MLC), representing 126 unions, welcomed Human Resources Minister Steven Sim's initiative to table the amendment to Act 800, noting its significant potential to benefit workers nationwide. He emphasized that the amendment aligns with the Cabinet's decision to review Act 800 to ensure it is dynamic and responsive to the current needs of the labor market.

Minister Sim presented the bill for its first reading in the Dewan Rakyat, intending to fortify the country's social protection system and extend employment services to benefit a broader segment of Malaysians. KESUMA reiterated in a statement that the amendment aims to boost benefits for PERKESO contributors, enhance workforce mobility, improve operational efficiency in re-employment programs, and strengthen EIS governance.