Malaysia enhances Employment Insurance System benefits

Amendments to the Employment Insurance System (SIP) Act 2017 will take effect on October 1, offering enhanced benefits and protection of up to RM25,000 for contributors. Key improvements include increasing the Early Re-employment Allowance (EBSA) from 25 percent to 50 percent of the remaining Job Search Allowance. Additionally, a one-time RM1,000 Mobility Assistance Allowance will be introduced for contributors who relocate more than 100 kilometers for new employment. Training allowances will also rise from RM10 to RM30 per day, with the maximum training fee cap increasing from RM4,000 to RM7,000.

In conjunction with the Mega iLINDUNGu Festival organized by the Social Security Organisation (PERKESO), self-employed individuals can access a 50 percent contribution discount through the KENDIRI Padanan50 initiative. Under this scheme, eligible self-employed contributors renewing Plan 2 social protection only need to pay RM116.40 for a 12-month period, with the remaining balance subsidized by the government.