All paperwork is pending comments from other agencies involved, minister says

by SHAFIQQUL ALIFF / pic TMR FILE

THE working paper to increase the rate of living allowance for Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara) students in the UK will be presented to the Cabinet at the end of the month.

Rural Development Minister Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid said all the paperwork has been completed and his ministry is now requesting some comments from the other agencies who are involved with it.

“We will present it at the end of the month and if it is approved, there will be an increase,” Mahdzir said, adding that the amount will be announced by the government.

The decision to review the allowance was made after meeting with Mara-sponsored students in Manchester and London whom he said are mostly affected with the increasing cost of living in the UK.

At the same time, Mahdzir added that Mara has taken the initiative to provide more than 1,500 job opportunities for graduates in the field of engineering and technology through the collaboration between Malaysian Investment Development Authority and 10 leading private companies.

He said the seminar and career exhibition “Career Crafting-Engineering & Technology” is to provide job placement opportunities as well as support a high rate of marketability for graduates under Mara.

“Almost 3,000 Mara students and graduates came here to find their career matches and as of now, 1,200 graduates and students were matched with their respective careers throughout the two days of the programme.

“The organisation of a programme like this is in line with the government’s efforts to reduce the unemployment rate of Bumiputera graduates by reducing the problem of mismatch between fields of study and scope of work in the industry.

“Last year, the marketability of technical and vocational education and training graduates and professionals born by Mara reached 94%, proving that they have high basic skills, efficient and always meet the needs of the industry,” he added.

In addition, Mahdzir said the programme is also part of the Malaysia Family Agenda under the “JaminKerja Keluarga Malaysia Initiative” launched by the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

The government is focused on three main programmes, namely the Study, Training and Placement Initiative as well as the Training and Skills Improvement Programme.

“The government is always committed to providing job opportunities for graduates and I believe Mara’s continued efforts will ensure Bumiputera graduates do not drop out and get jobs according to their qualifications.

“In addition, it will also help reduce the issue of mismatch between labour supply and labour demand in the market,” said Mahdzir.