PUTRAJAYA, Sept 23 — The National Technical and Vocational Education and Training Council (MTVET) has agreed to set a premium salary for TVET graduates, ranging from RM2,500 to RM4,000, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
He said the salary range is higher than the current minimum wage of RM1,500 set by the government, and that the decision is meant to attract more graduates to work in TVET sectors.
“We have established a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with employers (government-linked companies and private sector) where the premium salary exceeds the minimum wage set by the Human Resources Ministry.
“This will make it more appealing for TVET graduates to work in certain sectors,” he said after chairing an MTVET meeting and an engagement session with 66 government-linked and private companies alongside 12 TVET-related ministries here today.
The companies that signed the MOA include Cypark Sdn Bhd, Penang Port Sdn Bhd, and Khazanah Nasional Bhd.
Zahid, who is also the chairman of the National TVET Council, emphasised that the salary determination was not based on employer or factory associations, but on an agreement between TVET schools and firms offering the premium salary.
Meanwhile, Zahid said the MTVET agreed to have the Malaysia Board of Technologists recognise Malaysian Skills Certificate (SKM) holders at Levels 6 to 8 as equivalent to a first-class bachelor’s degree. Those who graduate with SKM Level 8 will earn the title of “professional technologist”.
He noted that this marks a significant shift in the TVET education ecosystem. SKM Levels 1 and 2 will be equivalent to the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM), while SKM Levels 3 to 5 will be recognised as equivalent to a diploma.
Zahid also said SKM Level 5 graduates can apply for university admission without the need for an SPM certificate. Universities involved in this scheme include Universiti Kuala Lumpur, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia, Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka, Universiti Malaysia Pahang, and Universiti Malaysia Perlis.
— Bernama
