SEREMBAN: The Social Security Organisation (Socso) has received 23,665 applications for benefits from the Employment Insurance System (EIS) since January, says V. Sivakumar.

       The Human Resources Minister said of the total, 17,432 applications were approved involving RM91.55mil in EIS benefit payments, which comprise the Job Search Allowance (EMP), Reduced Income Allowance, Re-employment Allowance, and various others, reported Bernama.

       “The EIS is to protect the welfare of workers before layoffs happen. Through this intervention, their income will continue.

       “This scheme is important but many do not know about it.

       “If workers contribute to EIS, they can benefit from various types of assistance,” he told reporters when met after presenting EMP to 30 former factory operators of two companies in Negri Sembilan here yesterday.