​MEF commended the overall package of Budget 2021 that was tabled by the Minister of Finance in Parliament today. 

MEF President Dato’ Dr Syed Hussain Syed Husman J.P. said that the extension of the wage subsidy programme and the various incentives provided to employers to encourage the recruitment of graduates, retirees, ex-convicts, ex-drug addicts and jobseekers would provide employers with the necessary support in the current very challenging and difficult economic situation. 

“Extending the wage subsidy programme especially to the tourism and retail sectors definitely helps employers in those two sectors to retain employees, and the other grants and incentives for upskilling and reskilling of workers is also a positive move forward,” said Dato’ Dr Syed Hussain.  

“The additional allocation for training is in line with the national policy to make Malaysia a destination for high-value added products and services.” 

He said the setting up of the Majlis Pekerjaan Negara under the Chairmanship of the YAB Prime Minister would ensure that policies on training and human resource development would be aligned with the national aspirations.  

“The focus on digitalisation of the country and improving infrastructure in industrial estate are necessary to attract investments.  

The provision of grants to SMEs and micro enterprises for digitalisation and automation through Jana Niaga would provide employers with much-needed financing.  

“I’m also pleased that the setting up of community childcare centres for the benefit of the B40 group and providing matching grant to employers that set up childcare centre at the workplace had addressed some of the long-term challenges faced by employees and employers.   
 
“The allocation to address the issues of mental health among the Rakyat indicated that the government is serious about addressing this growing concern,” he added. 

In these difficult and challenging times with the global economic slowdown, the Government has done its level best to assist the employers, employees and the rakyat.” 

For further information, contact the MEF Secretariat at 03-7955-7778 or fax 03-7955-9008 or email mef-hq@mef.org.my.  

6 NOVEMBER 2020