KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 1,075 insured persons with disabilities (PwD) lost their jobs during the pandemic period between March 18, 2020 and March 31, 2022.
However, 740 of these individuals, or 68.84 per cent, have successfully found employment again.
This, according to the Human Resources Ministry, was based on the statistics from the Social Security Organisation (Socso) Employment Insurance System (SIP).
In a parliamentary written reply published on parliament's website yesterday, the ministry said through Socso, it had initiated various employment opportunity programmes to address the employment needs of PwD, subsequently ensuring their inclusion in the country's labour market.
Among the programmes were the establishment of the first MYFutureJobs Satellite Center specifically for PwD at Bangi Industrial Training and Rehabilitation Center on Oct 19, 2022.
Also held were targeted Job Carnivals, specifically for PwD.
"From last year to Feb 9, a total of 39 special interview programmes for persons with disabilities were held nationwide.
"The overall attendance stood at 1,501 individuals, with 396 successfully securing employment.
"Out of this number, 342 individuals managed to secure second interview sessions, while those who were unsuccessful will be continuously monitored by Socso's employment service officers for other suitable job placement programmes.
"Meanwhile, under this year's budget, the government allocated RM30 million, with an incentive of RM1,500 per month for six months to employers under the Private Sector Employment Support Scheme for former inmates, persons with disabilities, senior citizens, and retirees to reintegrate 3,300 job seekers from these target groups into the labour market," the ministry said in reply to a question from Datuk Suhaimi Abdullah (PN-Langkawi).
Suhaimi asked about efforts taken by the ministry in creating various job opportunity programmes, especially for PwD, who lost their jobs due to the pandemic
The ministry said other programmes included Return To Work, which is aimed to help insured individuals who have been wounded or ill rehabilitate and return to work sooner, safely, and healthily.
"Based on the statistics, from 2017 to Feb 9 (this year), a total of 74,424 insured individuals with disabilities and special needs participated in this programme.
"Out of the total, 53,048 insured individuals with disabilities and special needs were successfully assisted in returning to the workforce."