Budget 2021 approved by Parliament: A relief for job seekers

Although the approval is only at the policy stage, it is a "sign" that the Members of Parliament (MPs) listened to the people’s plight and grievances, a proof that they (MPs) are prepared to set aside their political differences for the sake of the people.

Optimis that Budget 2021 will be supported by MPs from both sides of the divide at the next stage, Malaysian Trade Union Congress (MTUC) president Datuk Abdul Halim Mansor said among the 'long-awaited' initiative is definitely the Employment Generation Guarantee Scheme (JanaKerja), which involves 500,000 employment opportunities starting next year.

“With the current situation, those who have lost their jobs are hoping that the government will do something to ensure their welfare is looked after and the 2021 Budget can be likened as a lifeline for them,” he told Bernama.

The Supply Bill 2021 (Budget 2021) was passed at the policy stage with a majority voice vote yesterday.

Efforts by the Opposition and Independent members to call for bloc voting failed, after they did not meet the minimum number of Members of Parliament required for a vote. Only 13 of the MPs got up, while they need a total of 15 people to get up to allow the process to take place.

With an allocation of RM322.5 billion, Budget 2021 is the largest in the country’s history.

According to Abdul Halim, to date, an estimated 800,000 people have lost their job due to the pandemic, with almost 100,000 receiving assistance from the Social Security Organisation (Socso) and the Employment Insurance System.

Meanwhile, there are about 700,000 who need the government's attention either in terms of new job opportunities or given assistance to become small entrepreneurs, he added.

Through the 2021 Budget tabled on Nov 6, the government will also continue with the recruitment of employees under Socso, now known as PenjanaKerjaya, involving an allocation of RM2 billion.

PenjanaKerjaya, which is under the National Economic Recovery Plan (PENJANA), is aimed at boosting job demands among employers and increasing job opportunities and employability among local job seekers.

Meanwhile, a former pilot, Mohamad Syafiq Mohamed Shariff, 30, believes the JanaKerja scheme will help him to get a new job, although in another field.

“I have to learn new skills to suit with the job vacancies available,” he said, adding JanaKerja not only provides employment opportunities, but also the opportunity to acquire new knowledge and skills.

Mohamad Syafiq, with five years experience as a pilot, said he was given unpaid leave for a year since the country was hit by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Meanwhile, former restaurant manager Iqbal Hafifi Zainuddin, 30, said he is waiting for the implementation of the JanaKerja scheme, and is willing to change his career to earn a steady income.

"Im now a e-hailing driver, so the income depends on the number of passengers I get and in this current situation, because of COVID-19, not many people want to leave the house.

"If I can get a job (through JanaKerja), I will not hesitate to register with the scheme. After all, through JanaKerja, we will be trained (with necessary skills), so there is no problem," he added.