SHAH ALAM, June 24 — Approximately 5,000 individuals aged 40 and above who have lost their jobs due to the global crisis stemming from the conflict in West Asia will be assisted in rebuilding their income streams through the Selangor Platform's (PLATS) Career Transition Programme.
Yayasan Menteri Besar Selangor (Incorporation) or MBI head Ahmad Azri Zainal Nor said the organisation, together with the Selangor Human Resources Standing Committee, will identify eligible individuals using data from the Social Security Organisation.
Successful participants will receive PLATS benefits, including business training and courses, entrepreneurship camps, and interest-free financial assistance of up to RM10,000.
“They will also gain access to the PLATS business ecosystem and receive support in marketing and promoting their products. Participants will receive Internet data assistance for one year, as well as a travel allowance.
“The programme targets those aged 40 and above because this group often faces difficulties in securing or returning to employment due to age-related factors. We are therefore offering an alternative pathway to help sustain their livelihoods,” he told Media Selangor.
Azri added that participants will not only receive guidance but will also be monitored over a six-month period to assess their progress. Those interested in continuing as entrepreneurs will be eligible for further support.
“For this initial phase, we are targeting 5,000 participants. If the performance of the entrepreneurs is encouraging, we will increase the intake,” he said.
The PLATS Career Transition Programme was introduced under Phase Two of the Selangor Resilience Enhancement Package (SREP) to provide opportunities for individuals who have lost their jobs to venture into entrepreneurship.
During SREP's tabling on Friday (June 19), Menteri Besar Dato' Seri Amirudin Shari said the programme involves a RM4 million allocation, enabling participants to undergo training and gain exposure to fundamental business strategies.
