SHAH ALAM, Sept 26 — The state government has been urged to measure the outcome of social programmes, such as whether beneficiaries secure and retain jobs, rather than focusing solely on the number of people receiving assistance.
Social Security Organisation (SOCSO) Strategic Focus Group Unit head Mastura Rambli said impact reporting will help ensure every ringgit spent delivers measurable results.
“If we implement a programme, we must ask what the outcomes of the programme are,” she said during the 2027 Selangor Budget engagement session at the Selangor International Trade Centre yesterday.
Mastura added that the impact of government programmes can be measured using existing data at little additional costs, including the number of people placed in jobs, their employment status after six and 12 months, and salary levels.
“For gig workers, we can track their transition to formal employment, from contributions under the Self-Employed Social Security Scheme to formal contributions,” she said.
Mastura also proposed focusing on an inclusive labour market covering disabled persons, senior citizens, vulnerable women, gig and informal-sector workers, former prisoners, and military veterans.
“There is very high demand, but where is the supply (talent)?” she said, highlighting the need to better utilise workers that are readily available in Selangor.
Mastura noted that more than 700,000 women in Selangor are currently outside the labour force, with family and household responsibilities among the key barriers preventing them from entering employment.
Greater employment opportunities should also be created for senior citizens and disabled persons, while former prisoners should be supported in their return to the workforce.
“This is not only a government issue, but also a security issue. Providing employment opportunities (to former prisoners) can help prevent them from returning to crime,” she said.
As such, SOCSO is ready to work with the state government on continuous, targeted programmes, while ensuring new initiatives complement rather than duplicate existing state efforts.
The 2027 Selangor Budget is scheduled to be tabled on November 13.
