KUALA LUMPUR: The Social Security Organisation (Socso) has opened applications for six incentive-based programmes allocated under the 2022 Budget, which began since Jan 1.
The programmes are the Employment Insurance System (SIP) Targeted Wage Subsidy, SIP Job Seeking Allowance+, Self-Employment Scheme (SPS) Contribution Match, SPS Khidmat, JaminKerja–Employment Incentive programme and SIP Gig.
In a statement today, Socso's strategic communication department said the tourism industry employers affected during the Covid-19 pandemic are eligible to apply for the SIP Targeted Wage Subsidy programme.
The application, made available from Jan 1 till March 31, offers monthly incentives worth RM600 for each employee for three months.
"The application is limited to 500 employees per enterprise," said the statement.
It said the SIP Job Seeking Allowance+, which is a continuation of the SIP Prihatin 2.0 incentive that ended on Dec 31 last year, is also opened for individuals who have lost their jobs or are currently seeking employment.
"This initiative has been improved for this year's applicants as it offers financial assistance to Socso contributors as well as non-contributors.
"It intends to improve the benefits offered by Socso for employees who have lost their jobs or those who have been unemployed for a long-term period.
"Socso contributors can apply for these incentives from Jan 1 till June 30, while non-Socso contributors can submit their application from Jan 1 till Dec 31 this year."
The third programme, which is SPS Contribution Match is open for the self-employed individuals (OBS). Eight categories of OBS are eligible to apply for these incentives.
"The Orang Asli OBS, gig workers, hawkers, People with Disabilities (PwD), tourism sector entrepreneurs, artists, farmers and women entrepreneurs are eligible to apply for these incentives.
"The incentives offer these individuals protection under the Socso's Self-Employment Social Security Scheme (SESSS) for one year.
"The assistance will be in the form of contribution match financing under the SESSS Second Contribution Plan".
Socso said the government will be funding 80 per cent (RM186.20) of the incentives, while the remaining 20 per cent (RM46.60) will be funded by the OBS.
It said the incentives are expected to lessen the OBS contributors' burden in getting themselves protected under Socso, as well as to foster awareness on the importance of social security.
Application for the SPS Contribution Match is open for a year from Jan 1 till Dec 31.
Meanwhile, Socso said there are four categories of OBS that are eligible to apply for SPS Khidmat incentives.
"They are volunteers, staff of Islamic houses of worships (which are under the Malaysian Islamic Development Department or Jakim), supervisors and community rehabilitation workers and public sectors staff who hold Contract of Service status.
"The government will be contributing full fundings under the Second and Fourth SESSS Contribution Plan, including one year of protection.
"Applications can be made through the respective self-employed person's respective administrative agency from Jan 1 till Dec 31".
Socso said employers who hire new workers from among fresh graduates, apprentices and vulnerable groups including disabled former soldiers or prisoners are eligible to apply for the JaminKerja – Employment Incentives.
"Employers registered with Socso before Jan 1 this year are entitled to a maximum incentive of RM36,000 per employee within 12 months.
"This incentive will benefit employers with new hires from tourism-related sectors or female employees as well as those replacing foreign workers with local workers.
"Socso expects that this incentive would create more job opportunities including 250,000 new workers as well as reduce the country's unemployment rate".
Eligible employers can submit their applications from Jan 17 to June 30.
Socso said the SIP Gig, which is the last programme available under the 2022 Budget, is open to individuals who have been given unpaid leave notices or dismissed from work.
"This incentive is also offered to those who have been unemployed for over 60 days, job seekers from affected groups or housewives who have been unemployed for more than six months.
"Individuals registered with Socso and who work in the non-formal sector or gig economy are eligible to get around RM600 to RM800 monthly financial assistance for a maximum of six months.
"The applications for this programme are open from Jan 17 till June 30."
Applications for these programmes, except SPS Khidmat can be submitted through www.perkeso.gov.my.
Members of the public who wish to learn more about the programmes can log on to Socso's website or call Socso's Careline at 1-300-22-8000.