KUALA LUMPUR – The issue of unemployment and low starting salary among fresh graduates is temporary, said the Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF).
Its president Datuk Syed Hussain Syed Husman echoed the statement by Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri M. Saravanan that the undesirable situation caused by the extremely challenging economic environment arising from the Covid-19 pandemic would soon be under control.
He said once the economy begins to recover and stabilise, starting wage levels would return to competitive market rates and graduates could then expect higher wages based on their performance and productivity.
“We would advise graduates not to be too concerned by the current low starting pay as employers value employees with good performance and higher productivity. Once the employee begins to contribute and perform, they will be rewarded accordingly,” he said in a statement.
He said work experience will make graduates more marketable and employable.
According to him, the ministry, through its various agencies including the Human Resources Development Fund and Socso, have come up with many programmes to further equip unemployed graduates with relevant skills.
“These programmes, such as the e-Latih, are designed to encourage employment and are really effective as industries are involved,” he added. – Bernama, April 10, 2021
