TWO electronics manufacturing services (EMS) companies in Penang, namely Inari Amertron Berhad and Jabil Circuit Sdn Bhd, have recruited close to 2,000 job seekers from the period of August to December last year.
Northern Corridor Implementation Authority’s (NCIA) chief executive officer Datuk Seri Jebasingam Issace John said the recruitment was a strategic collaboration with the NCIA under the JomKerja@NCER programme.
“Since the programme was launched in August 2020, it has helped almost 5,000 participating local workers gain employment opportunities in the manufacturing, services and agribusiness sectors for the Northern Corridor Economic Region (NCER).
“JomKerja@NCER programme is implemented as an immediate response to encourage operating companies to continue the recruitment process although affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Through this programme also, we have so far channelled incentives of more than RM21 million to more than 100 businesses operating in the NCER.
“And these two companies (Inari Amertron Berhad and Jabil Circuit Sdn Bhd) are the largest recruiters in NCER at this point in time,” Jebasingam said during a press conference via Zoom today.
Also present were Inari Amertron Berhad executive director cum group chief executive officer KC Lau and Jabil Circuit Sdn Bhd senior financial controller KC Chen.
Jebasingam added that recruiting companies which participated under the programme also would be entitled for a wage subsidy of 50% of the worker’s wages up to a maximum of RM1,000 per worker for six months.
Lau said the JomKerja@NCER is a well-thought-out programme that makes a lot of sense for companies to retain and expand their business during this challenging period.
“With the incentives provided, we are now able to be more competitive to meet increasing demands for our products,” he said.
According to Chen, the Covid-19 pandemic has been a challenging time for many Malaysians and companies.
“Besides matching jobs and positions, the JomKerja@NCER programme takes a holistic look at supporting companies in the short and long-term.
“And on behalf of Jabil Circuit, we will continue supporting NCIA in its efforts to help workers and the business community,” he added.
Jebasingam also strongly urged industries with strong growth potential post-pandemic such as manufacturing, electrical and electronics (E&E), machinery and equipment (M&E), digital economy, logistics and other sectors to participate in the JomKerja@NCER programme.
“NCIA also will continue to intensify its efforts this year to reach out to more participants (job seekers) and businesses so that more can benefit from the incentives provided under the programme.
“To explore job opportunities for job seekers and businesses looking to continue the hiring process or retain workers, please register for JomKerja@NCER by contacting the NCER secretariat at 04-503 0198 or 04-503 0199 or email [email protected].
“For further information and updates, visit www.ncer.com.my/jomkerja_jomniaga or follow NCER on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn social media platforms,” he added.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix courtesy of NCIA