PAGOH: The government aims to create 500,000 new jobs in Malaysia through the National Employment Council despite the current economic situation.
Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said many had lost their sources of income because of the Covid-19 pandemic.
"The council was set up to ensure that the economy is properly managed and to help those who are unemployed and have no sources of income.
"We aim to create 500,000 new job opportunities even though it would be difficult because of the current economic situation," said Muhyiddin.
He said records showed that at the moment, there are 700,000 unemployed people in the country.
"The unemployment rate has also risen from three per cent previously to 5.6 per cent at the moment.
"New job opportunities are also scarce because investors are not coming into the country. Previously, investors favour Malaysia because of the good infrastructure and skilled workforce available here.
"In order to attract investors, the government is looking at offering various incentives," Muhyiddin said in his speech at a Deepavali celebration at SJK(T) Ladang Temiang in Bukit Pasir, here.
He said the government has also allocated RM2 billion for training and re-skilling programmes.
"The allocation is still available so I urge those who are currently unemployed to take this opportunity to learn new skills so that when the opportunity comes, they will be ready," said Muhyiddin.
He said the Perikatan Nasional (PN) government is shouldering a heavy responsibility on its shoulders.
"I am facing the most difficult time as the Prime Minister. I do not want Malaysia to be left behind because we failed to properly manage the economy at this challenging time.
"We have to find a balance between people's lives and their livelihoods," said Muhyiddin.