THE government is taking a firm approach to ensure Malaysia’s plantation and commodity industries increasingly rely on skilled local workers rather than foreign labour, through the expansion of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), said Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani, Minister of Plantation and Commodities.
“TVET is crucial in Sabah and Sarawak. We have over 1.5 million hectares of oil palm plantations in Sabah and 1.6 million hectares in Sarawak. Industries of this scale need trained local workers not just for basic tasks, but to manage operations and technology,” he said at the closing ceremony of the 2025 TVET Community Exploration Programme at Beaufort Community College today.
Johari highlighted that TVET equips local youth with technical skills relevant to industry needs, including automation, drone operations, and modern plantation management.
“Graduates are not only able to fill lower-level positions but also have the potential to become supervisors or managers,” he explained.
He added that companies are now required to prioritise TVET-trained locals before hiring foreign workers.
“If the minimum wage for foreign workers is RM1,700, don’t pay the same to local workers. Aim for RM2,500. Even if productivity is lower now, in two to three years they can become managers or supervisors,” he said.
The minister stressed that a strong TVET system strengthens the local workforce and builds a sustainable, competitive industry ecosystem.
“Children from Sabah and Sarawak are the future of our industry. With TVET skills, they can become the backbone of national plantation development,” he said.
Johari further explained that the government links approval of new plantation or factory licences to plans for employing local workers.
“If a company applies for 1,000 foreign workers, I will ask for at least 100 local employees. Without this, the licence won’t be approved,” he said, adding that the policy ensures economic benefits are shared with local communities.
He also noted that TVET programmes are tailored to meet industry demand, with incentives such as training allowances to attract rural youth.
“We want students to be trained according to real industry needs. If a company requires 20 workers, we will prepare suitable trainees and provide allowances so that when training ends, jobs are ready for them,” he said.
Johari expressed confidence that over the next decade, TVET will become the preferred choice for students due to clear career pathways, better pay, and the increasing need for technical and technological expertise.
“If all stakeholders – ministries, TVET institutions, industry, and communities – remain committed, Malaysia can become a developed nation based on a skilled, efficient, and competitive local workforce,” he said. - November 9, 2025
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