The COVID-19 pandemic has left a significant impact in the employment sector. Some Malaysians have had to change jobs while others who were less fortunate had lost theirs. The national unemployment rate recorded a jump from 3.3% in 2019 to 4.6% in 2021. Without jobs, the rakyat will have no income and the national economy will be severely impacted.
HARAPAN is committed to creating more job opportunities in this post-pandemic age to help Malaysians put food on their table. At the same time, focus will also be directed towards taking care of workers’ welfare by further improving minimum wage, social security schemes, and eliminating challenges stemming from workplace discrimination.
Minimum Wage Policy
A structured minimum wage policy plan to achieve the status of a high income nation. This plan must be executed with proper support to ensure that every stakeholder is adequately prepared.
Overcoming Discriminatory Obstacles
To build a united Malaysia, we must eliminate all obstructions caused by discrimination. This is not just limited to discrimination in the form of race, religion, gender, physical and mental ability, but must also include discrimination contributing to the gender wage gap.
Social Security
To fulfil the needs of new employment concepts such as the gig economy, social security schemes will be designed to protect the welfare of gig workers. This covers the establishment of a regulatory body, contract agreements, free life insurance schemes and funeral compensation amounting to RM10,000 for 6 million gig workers.
Job Loss Special Allowance
Extending the provision of special allowance to those who have lost their jobs as contract workers. Applicable to those who are actively seeking new employment.
Overcoming Retirement Poverty
To avoid a retirement poverty crisis (85% of the elderly are in the B60 category), early intervention must be implemented to accrue more funds for retirement. We can implement automatic registration for EPF regardless of age, expanding I-saraan including a starting incentive for first time voluntary contributions and allowing third party contributions to encourage parents to start saving up for their children at an earlier age.