07/06/2026

NATIONAL 3 theSun on Sunday JUNE 7, 2026

TVET institutions post 99.5% employability rate

Up to RM50m for vocational programme PUTRAJAYA: The government has agreed to allow the use of up to RM50 million from the High-Impact Programme fund under the Skills Development Fund Corporation to strengthen the implementation of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) 2.0, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. He added that the use of the fund is subject to conditions, namely that employers and industry players must work closely with the government to ensure the success of the TVET 2.0 agenda. “I reiterate the decision to allow up to RM50 million from the High-Impact Programme fund to be utilised for TVET 2.0. “Employers and industry must cooperate with the government, particularly through the TVET Council, to make it a success so that there is proper coordination. This will also enhance training programmes and exposure opportunities,” he said when officiating at the National TVET Day 2026 celebration yesterday. Also present were Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Cabinet ministers and Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar. Under the framework of Budget 2026, the total allocation for the corporation has been set at RM650 million. Earlier, Ahmad Zahid said that TVET 2.0 represents a restructuring of the TVET curriculum, with a focus on strengthening high-technology fields to meet the needs of future industries. Anwar also said the implementation of TVET 2.0 is a wise decision as artificial intelligence (AI), cryptology and the energy transition have become key global priorities. “We are aware of the new technological changes that have been mentioned. All of these demand new areas of expertise that were beyond the imagination and reach of our generation 20 to 30 years ago. “If we remain confined within the cocoon of outdated thinking, we will not be able to drive the country’s economic growth.” He emphasised that the success of TVET 2.0 requires strong support and commitment from the private sector. – Bernama No health facilities to be closed: Minister MALACCA: The government has assured the public that no healthcare facilities in the country, including Segamat Hospital in Johor, will be shut down, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said. He said the situation at the Segamat Hospital stemmed from service pressures and did not involve any suspension of services, adding that the Health Ministry had activated a cluster crisis management mechanism to ensure patient care remains uninterrupted. “If such situations arise due to a high number of patients, inpatients will continue to receive treatment, while outpatients will be referred to the nearest healthcare facilities for care. “There is no closure of services, and this is important because patient care cannot be compromised. “The hospital remains operational, including its obstetrics and gynaecology services,” he told reporters after officiating at the closing ceremony of the Health Ministry’s 2026 Malaysian Nutrition Month celebration on Friday. Also present were Health Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Hasnol Zam Zam Ahmad and Malacca Health Department director Dr Husnina Ibrahim. – Bernama

PUTRAJAYA: A total of 270 Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions under Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara) have recorded a graduate employability rate of 99.5%, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said. He said the impressive achievement demonstrated that Mara’s TVET institutions are at the forefront of advancing the nation’s TVET agenda, which has now entered the TVET 2.0 phase. “I also greatly appreciate the private sector for being at the forefront of supporting TVET nationwide. They have not only introduced new training modules but have also extended their support through the provision of equipment, machinery and other facilities for selected TVET institutions. “They have embraced TVET 2.0 not only through the various contributions I mentioned earlier but also by signing agreements with the National TVET Council and most TVET institutions across the country to ensure that all students will be employed by the industry, with 100% absorption into the workforce,” said Ahmad Zahid, who is also National TVET Council chairman, in his welcoming remarks at the National TVET Day 2026 celebration yesterday. He added that the implementation of TVET 2.0 would place greater emphasis on emerging high-demand fields such as robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT) and renewable energy, while continuing to strengthen

Ahmad Zahid views an exhibition for National TVET Day 2026 at the Tun Azizan Zainal Abidin Auditorium. – BERNAMAPIC

RM2,500, above the current minimum wage. The employability rate of TVET graduates nationwide rose to 98.7% as of the end of May this year, compared with 95.1% previously. “This is an achievement we are grateful for. As I have often said, achieving success is difficult, but sustaining it is even more challenging. Our task and responsibility are not only to preserve this success, but to continue building on it and raising the bar even further.” – Bernama

conventional sectors that remain in demand. “In TVET 2.0, in addition to the priorities I have outlined, we have also sent instructors from selected TVET institutions abroad for training at no cost to the government. The programmes are fully funded by industry players overseas, enabling our instructors to acquire the latest knowledge and skills.” He said industry players are also offering premium salaries to TVET graduates, with holders of the Malaysian Skills Certificate receiving a minimum starting salary of

Jobseekers drawn to urban, industrial hubs

Beyond pay, Lam said jobseekers are increasingly weighing factors such as flexibility, career progression, upskilling opportunities and long-term stability when evaluating employers. “As workforce expectations continue evolving, employers may need to strengthen their overall employee value proposition rather than relying solely on salary competitiveness. “Organisations that combine fair compensation

Klang Valley, Penang and Johor dominating interest of applicants: Jobstreet

Ű BY ANDREW SAGAYAM andrew@thesundaily.com

strongest demand clustered around the RM2,500 to RM3,500 range for entry-level and support roles. Lam said administrative, customer service and retail candidates typically expect between RM2,000 and RM3,500, while those applying for accounting, marketing, human resources

PETALING JAYA: For many Malaysians hunting for work, the search still leads to the same destinations: the Klang Valley, Johor and Penang. Despite growing economic activity elsewhere, the country’s largest urban and industrial hubs continue to dominate both job opportunities and jobseeker interest, according to Jobstreet by Seek. Its marketing communications managing director Nicholas Lam ( pic ) said Selangor accounted for 38% of all job applications, followed by Kuala Lumpur (20%), Penang (8%) and Johor (7%), with the four locations collectively attracting about 73% of applications nationwide. “This reflects the concentration of economic activity, population density and employment opportunities within Malaysia’s urban and industrial hubs. “The distribution also aligns with broader labour market data showing that job vacancies remain heavily focused in developed and urbanised regions.” While opportunities remain concentrated in key economic centres, most applicants are seeking salaries between RM2,000 and RM5,000, with the

with clear career growth pathways, learning opportunities and a positive workplace culture are likely to remain more competitive in attracting and retaining talent.” He said hiring challenges remain particularly pronounced in frontline service, retail, digital, engineering and technology-related roles, in which employers are competing for talent in an increasingly specialised labour market. As Malaysia pushes ahead with digitalisation and artificial intelligence adoption, demand for skilled workers in ICT, engineering, STEM and emerging digital fields is expected to remain strong. Based on Jobstreet by Seek’s application trends from mid-2025 to early 2026, logistics, administrative and accounting positions were the three most popular job categories among Malaysian jobseekers.

and other specialised positions generally seek between RM3,000 and RM5,000, depending on experience and technical skills. He said the expectations broadly reflect Malaysia’s wage landscape, adding that the national median monthly wage rose to RM2,864 in June 2025, up 4.3% year-on-year. “Wage growth was recorded across all age groups, sectors and states, reflecting continued upward movement in salary expectations as workers respond to rising living costs and evolving career priorities.” Salary expectations also vary significantly by industry, seniority and location. Kuala Lumpur, Selangor and Penang recorded median wages above the national average, while higher paying sectors such as mining and quarrying continued to outpace agriculture and lower-skilled industries.