KOTA KINABALU – The Sabah government has allocated RM6 million as part of its economic stimulus initiative to help youth who had been retrenched and those who have lost income due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Md Noor said the package will be channelled to the state’s Human Resource Development Department.
“Youth unemployment in Malaysia has been a rising concern, particularly in Sabah where the youth make up the majority of semi-skilled and low-skilled categories.
“If youth unemployment remains high and prolonged, the negative long-term impact on families, society, communities and the nation will be damaging,” he said in his address at a virtual conference titled Minds for Malaysia Bridging the Skills Gap organised by MyProdigy Malaysia today.
Hajiji added that the state has allocated RM22.96 million in this year’s state budget to carry out courses and skills training in technology, technical, and commerce.
“The government has also allocated RM55 million for the purpose of scholarships to students who pursue studies in skill-related courses, and technical and vocational education and training (TVET) at a higher level,” he said.
He noted that Putrajaya has rolled out various initiatives to alleviate difficulties faced by the people, including the Short-Term Economic Recovery Plan (Penjana), amounting to RM35 billion.
Penjana’s initiatives include the Wage Subsidy Programme to promote employee retention and to reduce layoffs; Hiring and Training Assistance for Businesses to encourage the hiring of employees by providing financial incentives to employers; and Reskilling and Upskilling Programmes which aim to enhance employability.
Touching on the virtual conference, Hajiji said he is glad that the state is working with MyProdigy Malaysia in conducting the conference to address the importance of emotional intelligence, cultivating creativity and critical thinking, which are skills necessary to boost employability.
“As the job market gets more selective and competitive, young people, especially fresh graduates, must be dynamic and proactive in incorporating multi-tasking into their experience,” he said.
“Expand your skill sets; enhance your interpersonal skills and your marketability.
“I believe that participants, including students and graduates, will benefit from the shared experience at this conference as they prepare to venture into the workplace,” he added. – The Vibes, October 9, 2021.
