Nearly 300,000 M’sians Lost Their Jobs Since 2020 Up Until This Year, Says Deputy HR Minister

A total of 293,639 individuals lost their jobs from 2020 until September 27, said Deputy Minister of Human Resources, Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Mohamad.

In Parliament today (October 21), he stated that among this number, the manufacturing sector recorded the highest job losses at 75,615, followed by these sectors:

• 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)

For illustration purposes only

Abdul Rahman made this statement in response to a question from Pakatan Harapan’s Oscar Ling Chai Yew regarding the skills training program planned by the Ministry of Human Resources to enhance the employability of graduates and local workers in the technology and industry sectors.

Abdul also stated that the ministry is committed to strengthening the employability of graduates and workers in line with current industry demands. He explained what has been done by the Ministry so far to address the challenges of underemployment, especially for new graduates and local workers.

“Various programs have been introduced by the Ministry, including the Training Program under the Employment Insurance System, the Future Workers Training Scheme (FWT), and Industry 4.0-focused courses.”

Other programs include the Strategic Cooperation Program and Technology Centers, as well as financing from the Skills Development Fund Corporation (PTPK).

RM1,700 minimum wage is NOT for everyone

Meanwhile, Abdul added that the increase in the minimum wage from RM1,500 to RM1,700 per month is not meant for skilled and semi-skilled graduates.

Instead, he stated that it will only involve lower-level jobs such as laborers.”

The increase in minimum wage will be in effect starting February 1, 2025.

Also read: 287,411 Malaysians Have Been Declared Bankrupt as of March 2022, Most are Young Working Adults