While getting a job is no doubt an immensely difficult process, losing your job is equally as hard as your means of providing for yourself is cut off.
A startling figure concerning the issue of Malaysians losing their jobs was recently revealed in Parliament recently, highlighting the fact that job security is a pressing matter that needs to be addressed.
Nearly 300,000 M’sians went jobless since 2020
According to Deputy Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Mohamad, he said that a total of 293,639 Malaysians lost their jobs from 2020 until Sept 27, 2024.
Out of this figure, the manufacturing sector was found to have borne the brunt, where a whopping 75,615 individuals were affected.
Other sectors were affected by the loss of jobs as well, which is as follows:
- Wholesale and retail trade sector (43,614),
- Professional, scientific, and technical activities sector (23,907).
- Information and communication technology sector (19,931),
- Accommodation and food and beverage services sector (23,124)
- Construction sector (21,233)
- Transportation sector (20,953)
- Other sectors (65,262)
Abdul Rahman was answering a question posed by Sibu MP Oscar Ling concerning skilled training programs offered by the Human Resources Ministry to improve graduates’ marketability.
In light of the staggering number of jobless Malaysians, the Human Resources Ministry has introduced several programs to address the issue, such as the Training Program under the Employment Insurance System, the Prospective Worker Training Scheme and Industry 4.0 focused courses.
The Human Resources Ministry is committed to ensure graduates and local workers are able to face economic challenges by having the needed skills, especially in the technology and Industry 4.0, which includes rapidly developing automation and artificial intelligence.
Meanwhile, Abdul Rahman said the increase in minimum wage from RM1,500 to RM1,700 doesn’t apply to skilled and semi-skilled graduates, but only for subordinate jobs such as labour.
The new minimum wage, which was tabled during Budget 2025 last week, will come into effect on Feb 1, 2025.
READ ALSO:
