GEORGE TOWN: The government will be setting up a special task force to prepare one million high-quality jobs for youths in the next five to 10 years.
Youth and Sports Minister Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman the task force, which will be chaired by Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, was approved in the recent Cabinet meeting.
He said the task force members would include corporate figures, who are instrumental in creating job opportunities in the country.
"We need the support of the private and corporate sectors. A research by Bank Negara showed that our starting salary has been static for almost 20 years, not only for TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) graduates but also for degree and masters holders.
"As such, we should collaborate with the private sector to help increase the salary of the youths. All this will be discussed and addressed in the task force," he told a press conference after officiating the Penang Youth Carnival held here on Sunday.
Syed Saddiq said the unemployment rate of youths in Malaysia currently stands at 10.7 per cent. Lowering that figure to a single digit would be the task force’s main aim, he said.
He said the task force would also look into the salary range of high, medium and low-tier jobs.
"Some claim that youths are demanding too much, up to RM6,000 in salary. This is wrong, research has shown otherwise.
"Youths are not seeking for exorbitant salaries but only a dignified wage,” he said.
On a separate issue, Syed Saddiq said the economy, as well as the tourism sector, stand to benefit from Malaysia hosting major esports events.
He cited the example of Dota 2 Major organised last year at the Axiata Arena, in which the government did not spend anything on. The event, organised by the corporate sector, offered a grand prize of US$1 million for the winner.
"The tickets were quite expensive but 40 per cent were sold to outsiders. The stadium was packed for three days, filling up 12,000 seats.
"This boosted the tourism sector. The government made money but it did not spend anything.
"This field (esports) enables the corporate sector to come forward to invest because they know there is a return of investment for them. So I hope it will materialise," he said.
On Saturday, the minister had announced that Malaysia may bid to become the host of the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang World Cup, which will be held in a Southeast Asian country this year.