EIS benefits rise to RM25,000 as Socso steps up support for jobseekers

EIS beneficiary Hamdi Ismail now runs a small food and beverage business in Kampung Laut, Tumpat, after leaving his banking job. — Bernama pic

First Published: Sunday, 18 Oct 2026 9:00 PM MYT

KOTA BHARU, Oct 18 — The Social Security Organisation’s (Perkeso) Employment Insurance System (EIS) helps workers who have lost their jobs rebuild their livelihoods through financial assistance, career guidance and support in securing new employment.

Perkeso deputy chief executive (Operations) Azirruan Arifin said 117,733 jobseekers had secured employment across various sectors between January and August 14 this year through the organisation’s employment support services.

These include career counselling, job searches and matching, registration and placement through MYFutureJobs, open interviews, career fairs and resume preparation guidance.

“These services give contributors faster access to job opportunities that match their experience, skills and labour market needs.

“For contributors who need to upgrade their skills, the EIS also provides training support through active labour market programmes, including reskilling and upskilling to improve their employability,” he told Bernama recently.

Azirruan said one of the main challenges was helping jobseekers secure new employment quickly, particularly when their skills and experience did not meet current industry requirements.

He said Perkeso provided financial and training support to help jobseekers overcome these challenges and improve their chances of securing employment.

For EIS beneficiary Hamdi Ismail, 54, the assistance helped him navigate a career transition after he left his job as a bank clerk to venture into business.

Hamdi began working as a bank clerk in 1993 before leaving the job in November 2018 to pursue entrepreneurship.

He now sells AG Mango Float drinks and grilled sausages in Kampung Laut, Tumpat, with the income helping to cover his family’s daily expenses.

Hamdi said the EIS assistance had supported him during his career transition and helped him plan his next steps.

“Although preparing mango float drinks is relatively simple, selecting the right mangoes is important to ensure quality,” he said, adding that the drinks are sold for between RM2 and RM3.50 per cup, depending on the size.

His previous contributions to Perkeso had also helped him develop his business, and he hoped more Malaysians would contribute to the scheme to secure protection for their future.

Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan had earlier announced that Perkeso would enhance EIS benefits, enabling contributors to receive total assistance and protection of up to RM25,000 each, effective October 1. — Bernama