THE Higher Education Ministry is working towards addressing problems faced by graduates with disabilities through the National Higher Education Strategic Plan.

Its deputy minister, Datuk Idris Harun, said it did not discriminate against such graduates and was also working towards making local institutions of higher learning more disabled-friendly.

He was responding to a supplementary question from Dr Mohd Puad Zarkashi (BN-Batu Pahat) who had asked if the ministry was playing a proactive role in helping disabled graduates secure jobs.

Earlier, Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang (PAS-Marang) asked if the government would be reviewing tertiary courses that were not relevant to the local job market in the move to tackle unemployment among graduates.

Idris said the ministry was working closely with institutions of higher learning in reviewing courses offered at local colleges and universities.
"Universities should also foster closer ties with industries so that courses offered will meet industrial needs."

He added that universities should focus on the development of skills that could be marketed.