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KUALA LUMPUR: The government has been urged to allocate some funds in the upcoming 2021 Budget that can be used for training and retraining activities, especially for workers who were laid off after the Covid-19 pandemic, said one academic.
University Malaysia Sarawak Senior Professor of Economics and Business Datuk Shazali Abu Mansor said the laid off workers, mostly from the worst-hit industries such as tourism, hospitality and aviation, faced difficulties finding new jobs.
He said that as new jobs were difficult to find due to the slow recovery in the corporate world, coupled with limited experience, the now unemployed workers need immediate support from the government.
“Those laid off must receive help regardless of the company they are from.
Imagine, what can flight attendants and fired pilots really do? His background is in the airline industry.
“The government must help. Retrain them and give them some concessions during the training. I think there must be companies willing to hire them later, ”he told Bernama.
The 2021 budget is scheduled to be presented in Parliament on November 6.
The adverse effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on the aviation industry have caused many airlines to resort to taking massive cost-cutting measures, including layoffs.
The low-cost airline AirAsia had cut more than 250 of its staff at the beginning of June.
On October 9, the airline confirmed another 10 percent reduction in its workforce of 24,000 people to ensure its survival.
Meanwhile, full-service hybrid carrier Malindo Airways was reported to have cut about 2,200 jobs (more than half of its 3,200-person workforce) and reduced its fleet size to 11 aircraft.
As for Malaysia Airlines Bhd and Firefly, their parent company Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) had on October 22 offered an early retirement plan to employees with the payment of a bonus of up to three months’ salary.
The MAG Early Retirement Application Program is intended for Malaysian employees aged 45 and over who have worked continuously for the company for a minimum of 10 years, including years of service with the Malaysia Airlines group. -Called
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