Traveler Scheme Paperwork in Final Stages Before Implementation

A new traveler protection scheme designed to offer social security to Malaysians working abroad, particularly those in Singapore, is in its final stages of development and is expected to be finalized by August. The Ministry of Human Resources (KESUMA), in collaboration with the Social Security Organization (PERKESO), is working to conclude this initiative, which is anticipated to benefit approximately 480,000 Malaysians employed in Singapore.

Minister of Human Resources Datuk Seri R. Ramanan stated that the proposal paper for the scheme will be presented to Parliament when it convenes. The ministry also plans to engage with members of Parliament to explain the program's benefits. Following approval from both the Dewan Rakyat and Dewan Negara, the scheme will be implemented swiftly to provide essential social protection for individuals commuting between Johor and Singapore for work.

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We will begin the process of presenting the proposal paper to Parliament, which convenes tomorrow. We will also hold engagement sessions with members of Parliament to explain the benefits of this program.

The "Skim Pengembara" will be implemented by expanding coverage under Act 789, or the Self-Protection Scheme under PERKESO. This allows eligible individuals to contribute and gain access to eight types of benefits. Ramanan highlighted that Johor continues to maintain a low unemployment rate of 2.4% for the first quarter of the year, surpassing the national average of 2.9%.

Furthermore, Johor's Labour Force Participation Rate (KPTB) stands at 71.6%, exceeding the national average of 70.9%. This positive performance is attributed to various job matching initiatives through the MYFutureJobs portal and close cooperation between the government, employers, and relevant agencies. In the first six months of the year, 66,661 job vacancies were advertised on MYFutureJobs, with 361,067 job seekers registered in Johor. Of these, 161,893 individuals were successfully placed in various sectors, strengthening the state's labor market.

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Besides the low unemployment rate, Johor also recorded a Labour Force Participation Rate (KPTB) of 71.6 percent, exceeding the national average of 70.9 percent.