by VEISHNAWI NEHRU / pic credit: Anwar Ibrahim’s Facebook

PRIME Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim urged the employers are urged to implement a more inclusive policy in hiring in all sectors including Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).

He said employers should not marginalised vulnerable groups such as Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and former prisoners and give priority to local workers.

“To reduce this dependence, I urge the Human Resources Ministry (MOHR) to implement a Foreign Worker Replacement Programme and encourage employers to hire former prisoners, thereby giving them a second chance to reintegrate into society and the workforce.

“To support this effort, the government provides incentives of up to RM9,000 to employers for each worker hired under the former prisoner, retiree, and PWD categories through the Career Force 2.0 Programme.

“All ministries, agencies, government-linked companies (GLCs) and government-linked investment companies (GLICs) must employ at least one percent PWDs,” hesaid in his speech at the Launch of Karnival Kerjaya Kesuma Madani MyfutureJobs OKU and TVET, Perkeso 2024 — Tiada Yang Terpinggir here at Ideal Convention Centre (IDCC).

The move was announced by Anwar in both 2023 and 2024 budget.

Anwar also again stressed  the government’s commitment to empower TVET in line with the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP) with TVET instructors encouraged to undergo skills enhancement training to keep up with rapid technological advancements.

“The government has also allocated RM40 million for skills enhancement programs, including Career Building Programs for informal workers and gig workers with qualifications from Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) and below.

“This is in line with the Madani Economic model that supports Progressive Wage Policy where the government believes that increasing wages for formal graduates and TVET graduates can change society’s perception of TVET as a viable career path and improve the overall quality of life for Malaysians,” he said.