IN view of the Covid-19 impact on the economy, the Northern Corridor Implementation Authority (NCIA) has expanded two of its programmes — JomKerja@NCER and JomNiaga@NCER — aimed at helping vulnerable groups in Perlis find employment.

In a statement, NCIA said JomKerja@NCER provided job placement through private sector collaboration to assist retrenched jobseekers and companies that are trying to continue the hiring process or retain workers.

“The programme also facilitates knowledge transfer from industry players and provides wage incentives for companies.

“Last year, JomKerja@NCER registered 243 committed participants.

“For 2021, the programme targets 220 participants and seven companies, ” said the statement.

Meanwhile, JomNiaga@NCER provides upskilling and entrepreneurship training with awareness on e-commerce for jobless youths and women.

“The programme, which has benefited 362 participants since its introduction in August last year, has exceeded its phase One target by 57%.

“For phase Two, JomNiaga@NCER targets 300 more people, ” the statement added.

Perlis Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Azlan Man said the state was prioritising the creation of new job opportunities for locals.

“Strategic investments and high-impact projects such as Chuping Valley Industrial Area (CVIA), Perlis Inland Port and Chuping Agro Valley will help boost Perlis’ socio-economy and enhance job creation, ” he said after chairing the quarterly Perlis State Steering Committee meeting held at the Dewan Undangan Negeri in Kangar recently.

CVIA is now open for investors following the completion of basic infrastructure for some 60 acres of the park’s first phase.

Construction at the remaining 440 acres of CVIA’s Phase One has commenced and will be completed by the second quarter of 2022.

NCIA chief executive officer Datuk Seri Jebasingam Issace John said more job-creating investments are expected when borders reopen.

“Once the entire 2,468-acre development is completed, CVIA will be the premier investment destination in Perlis.

“Ensuring the continuity of the people’s livelihoods is of utmost importance.

“NCIA has been collaborating with the state economic planning division and Perkeso to develop strategic recruitment programmes with industry players to develop talent, ” he said.

Source : The Star- 3 May 2021 (Monday)

Source Link : https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2021/05/03/ncia-expands-programmes-to-hire-vulnerable-groups