Malaysians With Working Permit Will Be Allowed Into Singapore In Phases

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State investment, entrepreneur development, cooperative and human resource committee chairman Mohd Izhar Ahmad (second from right) and Johor Socso director Tong Sing Chuan (right) handing over the Social Security Organisation (Socso) aid to Abd Rahman Abu Samah, 70, (second from left) at Taman Impian Emas, Skudai, Johor Baru on Monday (July 13). -Nur Aisyah Mazalan/The StarJOHOR BARU: The Federal Government and the Singaporean government have reached a mutual understanding in allowing Malaysians, especially Johoreans that have been suspended from their jobs, to return to work once the border between both countries reopen
State investment, entrepreneur development, cooperative and human resource committee chairman Mohd Izhar Ahmad said that only those with a working permit would be allowed to enter the republic in phases
He added that more than 100,000 Malaysians have been relieved from work due to the movement control order (MCO) and circuit breaker order that was imposed to stop the spread of Covid-19
“We are still awaiting the green light from both the Federal Government and Singaporean government on the border reopening
Industries in the republic have also given an indication that they are looking forward to re-employing those who have been suspended from work
“The workers will be sent in phases because we want to see if there is any impact from the Covid-19 infections. Once we open the border and if the conditions are safe, then perhaps we can consider sending more people in and eventually opening it up to non-workers, ” he said
He was met by reporters after handing over aid from the Social Security Organisation (Socso) to a family at Taman Impian Emas, Skudai, here on Monday (July 13)
Mohd Izhar added that, of the 100,000 workers, 75% of the workers are expected to return to work, while 15% are still pending. The remaining 10% have given their decision not to return to work to Singapore and focus on other ventures
“We have discussed this matter with at least 20 major industries in Singapore, and they agree to rehire them because they need the workers, ” he said, adding that these industries were involved in the electronic and service sector
He added that the state government is also planning to introduce a post-Covid-19 reskilling and upskilling programme to help Johoreans find jobs in the local market
“The programme will be launched by the end of July or as soon as we have all related agencies on board. This is because we want job seekers skills to match exactly with what the current industry needs
“The programme will mostly be for engineering skills, but we also offer help to those who want to pursue business, ” he said, adding that training and guidance will be provided
He added that unemployed individuals including graduates and school leavers can also register their profile on Socso's MyFutureJobs (www.myfuturejobs.gov.my) portal
“The state government is also providing help for job seekers via Unit Strategik Modal Insan Johor, and Perbadanan Usahawan Johor Sdn Bhd (PUJB) for those who wish to open up businesses, ” he added. - Star

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