This week in HR News
Permai kickoff, bank moratorium to continue, PTPTN loan deferment, i-Sinar interim payment starts on Jan 26 and more —here’s every HR news to know this week.
-----
1. Muhyiddin announces new RM15b Permai stimulus package
Our Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has announced a RM15 billion assistance package called the Perlindungan Ekonomi dan Rakyat Malaysia (Permai) package to protect the economy and the people, following the declaration of Emergency to fight Covid-19.
The Permai assistance package will include 22 new initiatives that Muhyiddin said will put money in people’s pockets and ensure the survival of businesses.
The moratorium extension and restructuring of loan repayment will continue during the implementation of the MCO.
A total of 15 banks are offering loan repayment moratorium for residents living in the flood-affected states.
For borrowers facing difficulties in dealing with banks, Bank Negara Malaysia and the Credit Counselling and Debt Management Agency (AKPK) are ready to assist and advise borrowers through the telephone or online," he added.
Find out how Permai benefits you and your employees in this infographic: https://bit.ly/3bYCtfC
2. EPF to give up to RM1000 i-Sinar interim payment from Jan 26
Under Permai assistance package, the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) members applying for the i-Sinar facility under Category 2 will receive an interim payment of up to RM1,000 from the total amount applied for, starting from Jan 26.
The application is now open to all EPF members, you may refer to the links below to learn more about i-Sinar application:
- i-Sinar application: https://isinar.kwsp.gov.my
- Application status checking: https://isinar.kwsp.gov.my/check-status
- i-Sinar interim and self declaration: https://www.kwsp.gov.my/self-declaration
- i-Sinar interim payment schedule: https://www.kwsp.gov.my/interim-schedule
Note: For those who have already submitted their supporting documents, the interim payment will begin from Jan 26 while for new applications, the interim payment will be processed within seven days from the date of your application.
3. EPF temporarily closes its Lahad Datu branch after staff tests positive for COVID-19
Members are advised to transact online via i-Akaun for selected services or reschedule their visits to a later date via the Janji Temu Online facility if there is a need to be present at EPF branches in person, said EPF.
If your office is based in Lahad Datu and need further clarification, you can contact the EPF Contact Management Centre at 03-8922 6000 or refer to the EPF website at www.kwsp.gov.my.
4. PTPK loan deferment extended three months from now until 31 March 2021
Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri M.Saravanan (picture) has announced the deferment of the Skills Development and Fund Corporation (PTPK) loan repayment for school leavers and employees will be extended until 31 March 2021.
The repayment collection for the three months extension is estimated at RM9,516,798.90 which will benefit 72,747 borrowers.
This was in line with Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin's announcement of PERMAI on Jan 18, 2021 in order to protect and reduce the burden of those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and the recent flood disaster in the state, he said.
PTPK borrowers who are affected can submit their application through a deferral form via PTPK website from now until March 31. For further information and inquiries, borrowers can submit an email to covidcarebb@ptpk.gov.my or skillsfund@ptpk.gov.my.
5. PTPTN borrowers can apply to defer their loan repayment starting today until 31 March 2021
Borrowers of the National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) affected by floods wishing to defer their loan repayments can do so via PTPTN’s official portal, at Permohonan Penangguhan Khas Bayaran Balik from today until March 31.
- No supporting documents are needed when making the application
- The moratorium will be given for a three-month period beginning from the month the approval is given by PTPTN between Jan - May 2021.
- Borrowers will be notified of the approval via e-mail within 3 working days from the date the application is submitted.
- Borrowers are reminded to update their contact details to ensure they receive the notification.
For more information, borrowers can contact PTPTN's Careline at 03-2193 3000 from Mondays to Fridays (9am - 5pm) or visit its official portal www.ptptn.gov.my and go to the 'Frequently Asked Questions' page.
---
------
Swingvy users: If you would like to help ease your employees' PTPTN loan repayment burden, you can easily add the PTPTN deduction in Swingvy's Payroll under payroll items> deductions. Once added, it will automatically be updated in your employee's (PTPTN borrower) salary. Read more
---
------
Not yet a Swingvy customer?
We're here to help businesses with digital transformation through HR tools to simplify administration so you can focus on your people.
.png)