“We need more women to enter the workforce” – Govt Urges More Women to Return to Work

The government is encouraging women who paused their careers to start a family to rejoin the workforce.

Deputy Finance Minister Lim Hui Ying stated that the latest Statistics Department figures show female labour force participation at only 56%, compared to 82.9% for men.

Lim highlighted that Malaysian women are talented and resilient, comprising 65% of undergraduates. However, many leave their careers to care for their families.

She emphasised that the government values women’s roles as the backbone of their families and their contributions to national development. To support their return to the workforce, various initiatives have been introduced.

The ‘Returnship’ programme by Bank Negara Malaysia and the Securities Commission assists women in re-entering the industry by providing necessary support.

“Additionally, the government is enhancing childcare and elderly care facilities to help women balance family and career responsibilities.”

She added that strengthening support systems for working women will benefit households and boost the economy.

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Earlier, Lim and Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow distributed 2,000 flowers to women in celebration of Women’s Day, an annual event in the state since 2000.

“We need more women to join the workforce as we face labour and talent shortages. Strengthening the support system for working women is crucial to addressing this challenge.”

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