5,900 Workers Affected by March Layoffs, Government Acts to Strengthen Employment Support

The government is preparing new support measures after around 5,900 Malaysians lost their jobs in March, with the biggest impact seen in Selangor and Kuala Lumpur.

Human Resources Minister R. Ramanan said the layoffs show increasing pressure in the job market.

Image Source: Nst.com

This is mainly caused by global economic uncertainty and ongoing geopolitical issues. More support initiatives are expected to be announced on Labour Day (1 May).

Focus on Helping Job Seekers Get Back to Work

The government’s plan focuses on making job seekers more employable.

One key step is improving the Employment Insurance System (EIS). Updates to the law are expected to:

Expand social protection
Make it easier to access reskilling and upskilling programmes

The main goal is simple: help affected workers find stable jobs faster and reduce pressure on the labour market.

Career Carnival Opens More Opportunities

Ramanan shared these updates after attending the MYFutureJobs Premium Career Carnival 2026 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.

The two-day event offered:

Around 10,000 job vacancies
Salaries from RM3,000 to RM16,000

These roles came from multinational companies, GLCs, and private businesses.

High Demand in Key Sectors

Most job openings were in:

Manufacturing
Services
Nursing
Banking
Auditing

The services sector alone made up nearly 30% of total vacancies, showing strong demand.

Government Target for 2026

The ministry aims to achieve at least 200,000 job placements this year through programmes like MyFutureJobs.

Although layoffs are increasing, the government is taking steps to support workers. With better training, stronger protection, and more job opportunities, the focus is on helping Malaysians return to work quickly.

FAQs

How many people lost their jobs in March?

About 5,900 Malaysians were affected, mainly in Selangor and Kuala Lumpur.

Why are layoffs happening now?

Due to global economic uncertainty and ongoing geopolitical tensions.

What support is the government planning?

New measures will be announced on Labour Day, focusing on training, job matching, and better social protection.

What is the Employment Insurance System (EIS)?

It is a system that provides financial support and training for workers who lose their jobs.

How many jobs are available from the career carnival?

Around 10,000 job opportunities with salaries up to RM16,000.

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