KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 21 — Approximately 293,639 individuals have lost their jobs from 2020 to September 27 this year, said Deputy Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Mohamad.
The manufacturing sector has been the hardest hit, with 75,615 individuals affected, followed by the wholesale and retail sector with 43,614 job losses, and the professional, scientific, and technical activities sector, which has seen 23,907 jobs lost.
“Additionally, the information and communication technology recorded 19,931 lay-offs; the accommodation and food and beverage service activities sector (23,124); the construction sector (21,233); the transport sector (20,953); and other sectors (65,262),” he said during an oral question-and-answer session at the Dewan Rakyat today.
Abdul Rahman was responding to Sibu MP Oscar Ling's query on the skills training programmes planned by the Human Resources Ministry (MOHR) to enhance the marketability of graduates and local workers in the technology and Industry 4.0 sectors.
He added that the ministry is dedicated to improving the marketability of graduates and workers, in alignment with current industry requirements.
The statistics from the Social Security Organisation indicate that 575,044 active job seekers were recorded on the MYFutureJobs portal from January to September 27 this year, compared with 125,956 available vacancies.
“To address the challenge of underemployment, particularly among new graduates and local workers, MOHR has introduced various programmes, including the training programme under the Employment Insurance System, the Future Worker Training scheme, and the Industry 4.0 focused courses," Abdul Rahman said.
Additional initiatives include the Strategic Cooperation Programme and Technology Centre, as well as financing options from the Skill Development Fund Corporation for MOHR skills trainees.
Meanwhile, he noted that the minimum wage increase, from RM1,500 to RM1,700 per month, effective Feb 1, 2025, does not apply to skilled and semi-skilled workers.
In response to Ling's supplementary question regarding the incentive package for employers, following the decision to raise the minimum wage, Abdul Rahman said the wage increase will primarily impact low-level workers like labourers.
— Bernama
