The Social Security Organisation (Socso) job portal can be a lifesaver for the unemployed and job seekers who are feeling the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The National Economic Recovery Plan (PENJANA) allocates RM9 billion for efforts to check the increasing unemployment rate and secure jobs to empower the people, and upgrading the portal is one such effort.
Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF) executive director, Datuk Shamsuddin Bardan said, this would benefit 50,000 unemployed workers and it was deemed the right move considering the current unemployment rate of 3.9 per cent or 610,000 as recorded in March.
He said, the upgrade would facilitate job matching between job seekers and employers according to the right qualifications. It is also in line with the new normal that demands all quarters working together to help revive the economy.
“In truth, the upgrade on this job portal is also part of the new normal, which warrants the need for virtual interviews instead of the traditional face-to-face sessions. This is also an advanced feature of the portal which makes it easier for both parties,” he said.
Nevertheless, Shamsuddin said, the implementation for the upgrade should be done cautiously to avoid overlaps with other job search portals.
“It should also be monitored from month to month so as not to give misleading information on the current situation of the job market. It’s laudable of the government to allot funds for the portal’s upgrade; however, there should be close monitoring,” he said.
He said, the portal should give free access to all job seekers to ease their burden.
Sharing the same sentiment, Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC) secretary-general, J Solomon said, cooperation and integration with other private job search portals is necessary to ensure suitable job matches based on applicants’ data.
“For example, employers can access candidates’ input on the database, so they don’t have to fill out new forms. It also should be accessible to both employers and workers to advertise for jobs and to match the workers who look for jobs,” he said.
Solomon said, to facilitate job search, it is essential for the system to be accessible by employers, workers and graduates without any work experience.
According to him, cooperation from related parties such as MTUC and MEF is also important to support the government’s effort not only during the COVID-19 pandemic but also other times in order to promote vacancies to job seekers.
Meanwhile, a senior lecturer of human resources and industrial relations at the Faculty of Entrepreneurship and Business, Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK), Profesor Dr Balakrishnan Parasuraman said, it was the right decision to upgrade the portal since the COVID-19 outbreak has affected the country’s job market.
However, he said, the government should consider the issue of internet reach for those in rural areas.
“Most importantly, promotions should reach them. Socso offices are located in every state, so officers should take the initiative to help job seekers. Maybe these job vacancies can be filled out using forms and then Sosco officers can upload the information on the portal,” he said.
A job seeker, Siti Safiah Rosmi, 30, said this initiative is convenient for job seekers based on their experience, qualifications and locations since conventional job search is not relevant anymore.
“I feel there is a need for a one-stop centre to facilitate the search not only for job seekers but also employers. The database on applicants’ details should be stored systematically for employers to find out the background information and qualifications of candidates,” said Siti Safiah, whose service was terminated following the COVID-19 outbreak.
On Friday, Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin unveiled PENJANA, themed ‘Building the Economy Together’, which involves the roll-out of 40 initiatives worth RM35 billion that focus on empowering the people, energising businesses and stimulating the economy, where RM10 billion will be in the form of direct fiscal injection. - BERNAMA
Bernama
Mon Jun 08 2020
Shamsuddin said, the upgrade would facilitate job matching between job seekers and employers according to the right qualifications. - Filepic
Jualan penyaman udara naik mendadak di negara Balkan
Menetap di negara sejuk, mereka tidak pernah terfikir memasang penyaman udara di dalam rumah memandangkan musim panas bukanlah setiap hari. Namun, cuaca panas melampau membuatkan mereka bertukar fikiran.
Malaysia kecam sekeras-kerasnya pencerobohan ekstremis Zionis Israel ke atas Masjid Al-Aqsa
Kerajaan Malaysia mengecam sekeras-kerasnya pencerobohan Masjid Al-Aqsa oleh ekstremis Zionis Israel pada 13 Ogos.
Reda dengan pemergian anak walaupun bukan pengakhiran diharapkan - Ayah Nidza Afham
Ayah kepada penyanyi dan Youtubers Muhammad Nidza Afham Mokhtar reda dengan pemergian anak lelakinya walaupun itu bukan pengakhiran yang beliau harapkan.
Ahli perniagaan diberkas, terlibat dalam aktiviti kumpulan mafia
Seorang ahli perniagaan Itali ditangkap di bandar Natal, Brazil pada selasa.
Giuseppe Bruno kini menghadapi tuduhan termasuk melakukan pemerasan dan pengubahan wang haram dan juga penglibatan bersama kumpulan mafia.
Giuseppe Bruno kini menghadapi tuduhan termasuk melakukan pemerasan dan pengubahan wang haram dan juga penglibatan bersama kumpulan mafia.
Srettha hormati keputusan mahkamah
Srettha Thavisin menghormati keputusan Mahkamah Perlembagaan Thailand yang memecatnya daripada jawatan Perdana Menteri.
Lahir empat hari lepas, bayi kembar maut angkara serangan rejim Zionis
Kembar lelaki diberikan nama Asser manakala Ayssel pula nama diberi buat kembar perempuan, kedua-duanya lahir pada 10 Ogos lepas.
Lelaki tikam ibu saudara direman tujuh hari
Seorang lelaki yang disyaki menikam ibu saudaranya di kepala dengan gunting, semalam direman selama tujuh hari hingga 21 Ogos ini.
PN senarai pendek tiga calon, akan diumum selepas PRK Nenggiri
Perikatan Nasional telah menyenarai pendek tiga calon untuk bertanding pada Pilihan Raya Kecil (PRK) Dewan Undangan Negeri (DUN) Mahkota yang dijadualkan berlangsung pada 28 September depan.
10 cedera dalam kejadian reaktor kilang terbakar di Bintulu
Menurut PGOB kesemua mangsa yang cedera telah dikejarkan ke Hospital Bintulu untuk rawatan lanjut.
Mayat Muhammad Nidza Afham dibawa ke Hospital Shah Alam
Mayat Muhammad Nidza Afham Mokhtar yang ditemukan di Sungai Klang petang tadi dibawa ke Unit Forensik Hospital Shah Alam (HSA) untuk urusan bedah siasat.
MEBA 2023 recognises top business leaders, organisations in Malaysia
The seventh annual awards ceremony was organised by Malaysia Digital Chamber of Commerce and supported by Asia Pacific Business Council for Sustainability.