MALACCA: A total of 57,686 people were hired, on permanent and contract basis, in the civil service last year, said Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Joseph Entulu Belaun.
He said they were all part of the more than 1.5 million candidates who submitted applications online to the Public Service Commission (SPA) to join the civil service in 2016.
"Of the more than 1.5 million applications, 162,944 candidates were called for interviews, 101,564 candidates attended the interviews and 57,686 successful people were appointed in the public service.
"Of the 57,686 people successfully appointed, 25,046 were appointed on a permanent basis and 32,640 people appointed on contracts," he told reporters after launching the SPA Career Carnival at the Malacca International Trade Centre (MITC) in Ayer Keroh here yesterday.
Also present were Chief Minister Datuk Seri Idris Haron and SPA chairman Tan Sri Arpah Abdul Razak.
Entulu said the number of applications to join the public service rises every year, but the vacancies offered are limited, from 60,000 to 80,000 job openings each year.
"Each year, we receive nearly 1.5 million applications, including 200,000 diploma holders, graduates of technical and vocational education institutes, and repeat applicants from the previous year," he said.
Entulu said the government urges graduates, whether at the degree or diploma level, not to be choosy when it comes to jobs, and consider employment opportunities even in the dangerous, dirty and difficult sectors. -- BERNAMA