Human resources minister Steven Sim said the Cabinet’s decision follows concerns raised by industry stakeholders about the amendment, which requires employers to notify the national recruitment portal MYFutureJobs of all vacancies available in their businesses or face a RM10,000 fine.

Sim said the tabling of the bill at the ongoing Dewan Negara meeting will be postponed to allow Perkeso to refine Section 45F, including removing the penalty provision in that section.

“The government firmly believes that any policy must be aligned with the realities of the industry while ensuring benefits for all parties,” he said in a statement.

“The proposed improvements to Section 45F will be brought to engagement sessions with industry stakeholders, including employees and employers, before the bill is reintroduced in Parliament next year.”

Last week, the Dewan Rakyat passed amendments to the EIS Act aimed at expanding support for contributors to Perkeso and strengthening the governance of the scheme.

Perkeso has since clarified that it will impose a moratorium of up to two years before fully enforcing the new requirements, giving employers, especially SMEs, adequate time to adapt.