Malaysia's Social Security Organisation responded swiftly when COVID-19 devastated the nation's workforce and economy. The agency protected over 3.1 million workers and nearly 400,000 employers through its Wage Subsidy Scheme during the pandemic. Perkeso had introduced the Employment Insurance System Act two years before the crisis struck in 2019. The legislation provided financial safety nets for unemployed workers facing unexpected job losses. These measures prevented widespread economic collapse across Malaysian businesses.
The organization expanded coverage to informal sector workers through new protection schemes. Gig economy participants and housewives gained access to social security benefits for the first time. More than 36,000 people completed retraining programs between 2020 and 2023 under employment insurance provisions. Statistics show over 16,000 participants found new jobs after finishing their skills development courses. Perkeso raised salary contribution limits from 5,000 to 6,000 ringgit monthly to match current market conditions and protect higher-earning workers in emerging economic sectors.
The organization expanded coverage to informal sector workers through new protection schemes. Gig economy participants and housewives gained access to social security benefits for the first time. More than 36,000 people completed retraining programs between 2020 and 2023 under employment insurance provisions. Statistics show over 16,000 participants found new jobs after finishing their skills development courses. Perkeso raised salary contribution limits from 5,000 to 6,000 ringgit monthly to match current market conditions and protect higher-earning workers in emerging economic sectors.
