PUTRAJAYA (Oct 7): The Ministry of Human Resources (MOHR) has initiated intervention measures to protect the rights and assist 372 workers of CJ Bio Malaysia Sdn Bhd affected by the closure of the company's plant in Kerteh, Terengganu, from Oct 15.

In a statement on Wednesday, the MOHR said the measures are being implemented through the Department of Labour of Peninsular Malaysia (JTKSM) and the Social Security Organisation (Socso) to assist the workers in transitioning to new employment.

"The JTKSM is focusing on employers' compliance with termination procedures, including the payment of wages and termination benefits.

"The JTKSM is also monitoring the company's implementation of the workers' termination to ensure that the benefits provided to the workers are in accordance with the provisions of the Employment Act 1955 and its regulations," the statement said.

The MOHR said CJ Bio Malaysia had committed to ensuring that the rights and welfare of workers affected by the retrenchment are protected.

At the same time, Socso has conducted profiling sessions, briefings on the benefits under the Employment Insurance System, assistance with benefit applications and registration on the MYFutureJobs portal.

The MOHR said that as of Tuesday, 224 workers had participated in the sessions, including upskilling programmes to identify suitable employment opportunities.

"The sessions will continue until tomorrow (Thursday) to complete the profiling process for the affected workers," the statement said.

CJ Bio Malaysia, a biotechnology company from South Korea, was reported to be gradually ceasing operations at its premises in Kerteh from Oct 15 due to global economic challenges, including rising raw material prices and intense price competition from international producers, particularly China.

The statement said the early intervention had already yielded results, with affected workers successfully placed at CHEC Construction through a career carnival organised by Socso at Dungun Polytechnic.

"Three local companies have also been identified and expressed their readiness to hire affected workers, while Socso is finalising details of the positions offered to enable the job-matching process to continue based on the workers' qualifications and skills," the MOHR said.

The statement said redeployment efforts are also being carried out by the Terengganu Human Resource Development Centre in collaboration with the Terengganu government, while the Malaysian Investment Development Authority is identifying potential new investors to take over or replace operations at the site, with the state government facilitating matters relating to the leased land.

Uploaded by Tham Yek Lee