The Ministry of Human Resources (KESUMA) has stepped up a range of intervention measures aimed at helping workers affected by job losses secure new employment, while reinforcing the country’s labour market resilience amid economic and geopolitical uncertainties.
Human Resources Minister, Datuk Seri Ramanan Ramakrishnan said data from the Employment Insurance System (EIS) showed that 38,953 individuals lost their jobs between January and May this year, with the majority comprising workers aged between 25 and 39.
Men accounted for the larger share of those affected, with 23,536 cases or 60.4 per cent of total job losses, while women represented 15,417 cases, equivalent to 39.6 per cent.
In a statement, Ramanan said the layoffs were concentrated in several key economic sectors, including manufacturing, wholesale and retail trade, motor vehicle repair, as well as administrative and support service activities.
He said many of the job losses were linked to corporate restructuring exercises and operational adjustments undertaken by businesses in response to evolving economic conditions.
“Various intervention programmes are being intensified to assist affected workers in securing new employment opportunities, while also enhancing workforce skills and strengthening the labour market’s ability to withstand economic volatility and global geopolitical challenges,” he said.
Ramanan noted that the increase in job displacement cases underscored the need to accelerate workforce mobility into sectors experiencing stronger labour demand.
Given that many of those affected are young and possess recognised qualifications, he said the ministry is prioritising efforts to align workforce capabilities with future industry requirements through upskilling and reskilling initiatives.
He also encouraged job seekers to utilise the Labour Market Exchange (LMX) and MYFutureJobs Galaxy platforms to access labour market information and make informed career decisions.
According to Ramanan, KESUMA, through Social Security Organisation, is further strengthening support mechanisms for displaced workers via career transition programmes, skills enhancement initiatives and early intervention measures targeting sectors deemed vulnerable to workforce reductions.
Despite the increase in layoffs, he stressed that Malaysia’s labour market remains fundamentally resilient. As of April 2026, the country’s labour force stood at 17.33 million, with the unemployment rate remaining low at 3.0 per cent and labour force participation reaching 70.9 per cent.
Ramanan said KESUMA would continue to closely monitor global economic developments and geopolitical trends to enable timely interventions, minimise employment-related risks and ensure the national workforce remains competitive and adaptable to changing market demands.
-HR HUB
