A total of 7,057 workers lost their jobs in April, marking a 21 per cent increase compared to 5,855 cases recorded in March, according to Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir.
Speaking during a briefing on the global supply crisis following the National Economic Action Council (MTEN) meeting, Akmal said the rise in job losses should not be taken lightly despite figures remaining lower than earlier this year.
Malaysia recorded 10,658 job losses in January and 7,512 in February, but the latest month-to-month increase has sparked concerns over labour market stability.
“Although the figures are lower compared to the start of the year, this development still requires close attention,” he said.
Akmal stressed that every layoff represents a family losing its main source of income, adding that the government is committed to ensuring affected workers receive immediate assistance.
He said the Employment Insurance System (EIS), also known as LINDUNG Kerjaya under the Social Security Organisation (PERKESO), would continue functioning aggressively to provide financial aid and temporary job placement support for those seeking new employment.
“The government remains committed to ensuring workers who lose their jobs receive the appropriate support,” he added.
Despite the rise in layoffs, Malaysia’s unemployment rate reportedly dropped to 2.9 per cent based on the latest labour market review released by the Department of Statistics Malaysia last Friday.
At the same time, labour force participation increased to 70.9 per cent.
Meanwhile, Hong Leong Investment Bank (HLIB), citing PERKESO data, revealed that Selangor and Kuala Lumpur continued recording the highest number of job losses in March.
According to the report, Selangor accounted for 29.3 per cent of total layoff cases, followed by Kuala Lumpur at 25.6 per cent, even as the national unemployment rate remained stable.
The latest figures come amid growing concerns over the impact of global economic uncertainty and supply chain disruptions on Malaysian businesses and workers.
