28/06/2025

SATURDAY | JUNE 28, 2025

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Move to strengthen TVET enrolment, future workforce

Three key amendments to SST following feedback

PETALING JAYA: The government has announced three key amendments to the Sales and Service Tax (SST) following public and industry feedback since the revision was unveiled on June 9. In a statement yesterday, the Finance Ministry said the amendments include exempting certain imported fruits from sales tax, raising the service tax threshold for rental and financial services to RM1 million and dropping the proposed tax on beauty services. “After due consideration on the feedback received with respect to sales tax on imported fruits, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who is also the Finance minister, agreed to exempt imported apples, oranges, mandarin oranges and dates from sales tax. “The ministry would like to reiterate that the Madani government has not imposed sales tax on daily essential goods in order to mitigate pressure on the cost of living for the majority of Malaysians. “These tax-exempted essential goods, whether locally produced or imported, include rice, chicken, beef, vegetables and eggs. Local fish varieties, including selar , tongkol , cencaru, and sardines will also continue to be exempt from sales tax.” To ease the burden on small businesses, Anwar has approved an increase in the service tax registration threshold from RM500,000 to RM1 million for leasing, rental, and financial services. “Additionally, after carefully considering public sentiment, the government has also decided not to proceed with the proposed expansion of service tax on beauty services such as manicure and pedicure, facial service, barbers and hairdressers,”said the ministry. – By QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI 36 Bangladeshis linked to militant group arrested PETALING JAYA: Police have arrested 36 Bangladeshi nationals this week for alleged involvement in a radical militant movement rooted in extremist ideology, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said yesterday the planned security operation, which began on April 24, was carried out in three phases across Selangor and Johor. Five of the suspects have been charged under Chapter VIA of the Penal Code at the Shah Alam and Johor Bahru Sessions Courts, while 15 others have been issued deportation orders. Another 16 individuals are still under investigation for their alleged links to the militant network. Based on intelligence gathered by the Special Branch, Saifuddin said the group was attempting to import extremist beliefs aligned with the Islamic State ideology into Malaysia. “They even established recruitment cells within their community here with the aim of indoctrinating radical beliefs, raising funds for terror activities and working to overthrow the legitimate government in their country of origin,” he said in a statement. Saifuddin stressed that Malaysia would not be a safe haven, let alone a staging ground, for any foreign extremist elements. Ű BY DEEPALAKSHMI MANICKAM newsdesk@thesundaily.com

He also said Malaysia urgently needs talent in data centres, cloud services and skilled technicians for high-tech sectors such as semiconductors, aerospace, precision tooling and medical devices. “Soft skills such as communication, critical thinking and adaptability are equally important as these are essential for producing industry-ready graduates who can thrive in an increasingly fast-paced and competitive job market.” Universiti Teknologi Mara Civil Engineering Faculty senior lecturer Dr Nuryantizpura Mohamad Rais said TVET is expected to become a key driver of Malaysia’s talent development agenda over the next decade, especially as the country embraces advancements in automation, sustainable infrastructure and transport technology. Nuryantizpura, who is also serving as an industry adviser in railway infrastructure and renewable transport, said Malaysia will require a workforce that is not only technically skilled but also adaptable and aligned with industry needs. “TVET institutions will be instrumental in preparing professionals to meet these demands whether it’s operating hydrogen powered rail systems or supporting large-scale infrastructure initiatives under public-private partnerships. “Malaysia’s progress will rely not only on academic excellence, but on the strength of a skilled, hands-on workforce capable of building, maintaining and innovating. That is the future TVET is preparing us for.” She said while academic degrees remain a preferred choice among many students and families, there has been a slow but steady shift in attitudes as more students are now opting for TVET pathways, particularly in technical and industry-driven sectors. “TVET is no longer a dead-end track, as graduates today can transition to diploma and degree programmes through structured pathways, especially under the Malaysian Qualifications Framework.” She added that Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning and micro-credentials support flexible, continuous learning that enables TVET graduates to pursue higher qualifications without leaving the workforce. “Fresh TVET graduates typically earn between RM1,800 and RM2,500 a month, with higher pay in sectors like transport, energy, and engineering especially for those with industry-recognised skills or hands-on experience,” she said. harm, Muhammad Sha’ani said many students continue to smuggle the devices into schools, often hiding them under motorcycle seats along with mobile phones. He cited the case of a Form Two student in Perlis, who reportedly became intoxicated after using a so-called“mushroom vape”, resulting in a dangerous incident that required police intervention. He added that allowing vape industry players to negotiate regulations would only benefit corporate interests while putting public health at continued risk. He said even more alarming were recent findings by police showing that some seized vape liquids contained not only nicotine but also illicit drugs. “Malaysia has already committed to the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control 2003, which outlines the eventual phasing out of the tobacco industry. We have declared 2040 as the Tobacco Endgame.” – Bernama

o Efforts include better coordination, more industry sponsorship to attract students as well as to expand hands on training through Work-Based Learning: GITC chairman

BY QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI newsdesk@thesundaily.com

Dual Training Model nationwide,” he added. Soh said GITC is working with employers and professional bodies to promote skills-based hiring and industry-recognised certifications, ensuring that individuals are recognised for their skills, not just academic results. “To support job opportunities abroad, GITC is also collaborating with Asean partners and global accreditation bodies to ensure Malaysian TVET graduates can have their skills recognised regionally.” He said digital and emerging technologies are also being integrated into TVET programmes, including artificial intelligence (AI), green tech, electric vehicles and data centre skills, through Centres of Excellence and industry partnerships. Soh said in addressing Malaysia’s most critical skills gaps, GITC is prioritising areas such as digital and automation skills particularly in AI, robotics, data analytics and smart manufacturing.

PETALING JAYA: The Government-Industry TVET Coordination Body (GITC) has outlined key priorities for the next two to three years as part of its mission to strengthen Malaysia’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) ecosystem and future-proof the workforce. Its chairman Tan Sri Soh Thian Lai said while Malaysia currently records between 250,000 and 300,000 new TVET admissions annually across both public and private higher learning institutions, efforts are under way to boost these numbers further. “This includes better coordination, more industry sponsorship and stronger job outcomes to attract more students into TVET. “GITC is focused on aligning TVET programmes with industry needs by co-designing courses and expanding hands-on training through Work-Based Learning and the

Nuryantizpura said TVET graduates today can transition to diploma and degree programmes under the Malaysian Qualifications Framework. – PIC COURTESY OF KOLEJ VOKASIONAL AUTOMOTIF TAIPING, PERAK FACEBOOK PAGE

Renewed calls for total vape ban amid abuse

KUALA LUMPUR: A Form Two student collapsing from a school rooftop after inhaling a drug-laced vape is just one of many disturbing incidents fuelling renewed calls for the government to impose a total ban on electronic cigarettes. The Malaysian Council for Tobacco Control (MCTC) said the growing exploitation of youth, rising public health risks and emerging links to illicit drugs and organised crime require urgent and decisive government action. Its secretary-general Muhammad Sha’ani Abdullah said while an immediate ban may not be feasible due to stock and distribution challenges, the government must begin with a strict prohibition on advertising and promotions. He said the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852), which is already in effect, provides a strong legal foundation to enforce restrictions on advertisements, promotions and online sales of

vape products, including those containing controlled substances or illicit drugs. He noted that when vape advertisements are openly displayed, it gives the public the impression that these products are permissible. “In physical stores, we understand there may be delays in removing vape displays due to cost and logistical issues. But for electronic boards, shopfronts or highway billboards, all it takes is a directive to take them down and yet, they continue to run,” he said at a press conference titled “Drugs in Vape”. The press conference was held in conjunction with the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking 2025 and World No Tobacco Day at the Malaysian Drug Prevention Association headquarters here on Thursday. Also present was association media and promotion bureau chairman Hashim Anang, who is also National Anti-Drug Council member. Despite growing awareness of vape-related