KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has proposed that the minimum wage for skilled Malaysian workers be raised to RM3,500.
The Deputy Prime Minister said that at the moment, the minimum wage for local skilled workers is RM1,200.
This, he said, is in stark contrast to the minimum wage set for foreign skilled workers, which is RM3,500, as per the Immigration Department regulations.
“This is unfair to Malaysian skilled workers. Why should we pay RM3,500 to foreign skilled workers when we have our own? By increasing the minimum wage, it will attract more Malaysians to work in the various sectors,” he told reporters at the launch of the TVET Malaysia Expo 2018 today.
Zahid proposed that a TVET (Technical and Vocational Education Training) Council is set up to promote and empower skilled workers in the country. He expressed hope that a memorandum on the council’s setup will be prepared by Human Resources Minister, Datuk Seri Richard Riot Jaem, which will be presented to the cabinet.
“We need a body that can help graduates with their marketability in the relevant industries. There is currently a lack of streamlining in this regard,” said Zahid, who also offered himself as the council’s chairman to ensure that the its operations run smoothly.
“I am offering myself to chair and coordinate the TVET Council as I wish to promote the development of TVET, including the push for higher minimum wage.
“At the moment, the number of skilled workers in the country stands at 28 per cent, which is lower than the 43 per cent benchmark for a developed country,” he said.
He said the government has targeted the minimum wage for skilled workers to reach RM5,000 by 2030.
Zahid also emphasised on the importance of giving opportunities to experienced skilled workers to obtain paper qualification.
“Those with experience should be given a chance to continue their studies at technical universities, be it for diplomas, degrees or higher qualifications.
“With the combination of experience and paper qualification, a skilled workers will be highly recognised in the market,” he said.
He said the council would also play a role in coordinating recognition of skills which is now handled by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency and endorsed by the Human Resources Ministry.
Present at the TVET Malaysia Expo 2018 launch were Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri Richard Riot Jaem, Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, Education Minister Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid, and Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh.
The two-day expo is expected to draw 10,000 visitors.