KOTA KINABALU: The State Government has allocated an economic stimulus package of RM6 million to the Human Resource Development Department to help retrenched youths and those who have lost their sources of income due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor said the package was among initiatives taken by the State Government in this year’s Budget to overcome the unprecedented challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The pandemic has caused not only economic difficulties but also social, health and various other issues, particularly those affecting youths and human capital development, he said.
In order to strengthen human capital development and produce a competent and resilient generation, the State Government had specifically allocated RM22.96 million in the 2021 State Budget to carry out courses and skill training in technology, technical and commerce, he said.
“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) to a higher level,” he said.
At the Federal level, he said the Government has rolled out various initiatives to alleviate the difficulties faced by the people that included the National Economic Recovery Plan or PENJANA amounting to RM35 billion.
Among PENJANA’s initiatives included 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.
Delivering his special address at the Minds for Malaysia (M4M) ‘Bridging the Skills Gap’ virtual conference organised by MyProdigy Malaysia on Saturday, Hajiji said youths unemployment in Malaysia has been a rising concern particularly in Sabah where youths made up the majority of semi-skilled and low-skilled categories.
“Like most of the world, Malaysia has to deal with the challenges of educating and employing its youth who should be productive individuals to be able to contribute to the development of a nation.
“If youths unemployment remains high and prolonged, the negative long-term impact on families, society, communities and the nation would be damaging,” he said.
As the job market gets more selective and competitive, Hajiji said young people especially fresh graduates must be dynamic and proactive in incorporating multitasking into their experience.
“Expand your skill sets, enhance your interpersonal skills and your marketability. I am also happy to note that the conference will also address the importance of emotional intelligence, cultivating creativity and critical thinking, skills necessary to boost employability,” he said.
The Chief Minister said the State Government was glad to work with MyProdigy Malaysia to ensure the smooth running of this virtual conference for the benefit of students and graduates, and especially the youths of Sabah.
“I believe that participants will benefit from the shared experience at this conference as they prepare to venture into the workplace,” he said.-pr/BNN
