share on
The ministry said it will mobilise benefit monitoring, MYFutureJobs job matching, career counselling, and reskilling support for the affected employees.
The Ministry of Human Resources (KESUMA) has activated a joint intervention programme to support the career transition of 541 employees affected by the planned closure of Panasonic AVC Networks Kuala Lumpur Malaysia. (PAVCKM).
Through the Peninsular Malaysia Manpower Department (JTKSM) and the Social Security Organisation (PERKESO), the ministry said it will monitor employee benefits, provide income-support assistance where eligible, and help affected workers secure new employment opportunities.
JTKSM received the company’s Employee Termination Notification Form (Form PK) on 23 and 27 July 2026. Following an investigation on 27 July, the department found that 541 workers are affected – comprising 415 Malaysian employees and 126 foreign employees.
The terminations are expected to take place in two stages, on 31 October 2026 and 31 March 2027, of which Panasonic has committed to pay the affected employees their respective entitlements, including salaries, notice pay, annual leave payments, and termination benefits. The total payout is estimated at RM64.38mn.
KESUMA said JTKSM said they will continue monitoring the process to ensure that all payments and terminations comply with applicable labour laws. Should the company fail to meet its obligations, enforcement measures may be pursued, including labour case claims and prosecution.
At the same time, PERKESO will provide early assistance through the Employment Insurance System (SIP). The intervention will include worker profiling, needs assessments and targeted support to help employees navigate the transition period.
Eligible workers will receive guidance on SIP benefit applications, which can provide temporary income support while they seek new employment. PERKESO will also offer career counselling, job-matching services through MYFutureJobs, targeted interview sessions and placement programmes with employers that have relevant vacancies.
For workers whose experience or skills need to be adapted to changing industry requirements, KESUMA will identify suitable reskilling and upskilling options.
Human Resources Minister Ramanan Ramakrishnan said the ministry is committed to ensuring that workers do not face job loss without appropriate support.
“KESUMA will ensure that workers affected by job losses are given appropriate support and are not left to face this transition period without assistance. Through PERKESO, interventions will be activated as early as possible to help them obtain income protection and return to the job market.”
KESUMA, PERKESO and JTKSM were scheduled to hold further discussions with Panasonic on 11 August 2026 to coordinate worker protection measures, benefit eligibility and job-placement interventions. The ministry also said it is prepared to work with the Selangor state government and relevant agencies to ensure assistance is delivered in a coordinated manner.
The closure follows Panasonic’s reorganisation of its audiovisual manufacturing operations in Malaysia, with the announcement made on 27 July 2026 that it will cease television production and transfer production of Blu-ray Disc players to China Hualu Panasonic AVC Networks in China by the end of September 2026. At that point in time, it was estimated that 400 employees will be affected by the closure.
According to the company, the move is intended to strengthen the competitiveness of Panasonic’s AVC business.
PAVCKM will also end production of Technics-branded Hi-Fi audio products by the end of February 2027, with production to be transferred to another Panasonic Group operation.
The company will continue manufacturing other audio products in Malaysia and that sales and service operations for television and audio products in the country will continue as usual.
Panasonic currently employs approximately 12,000 people in the country across manufacturing, research & development, and corporate functions.
READ MORE: 10 MV Berkat Tuah crew members begin receiving overdue wages
Lead image / Panasonic
share on
