The government will focus on reforming the country’s labour market with an emphasis on tackling the problem of skills mismatch, by the end of the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP).
According to the 12MP Mid-Term Review (MTR) released by the Ministry of Economy today, a dynamic national skills framework will be developed to tackle skills mismatch and complement the Critical Occupations List (COL).
The framework will provide comprehensive and current information on the skills required by industries, as well as improve the COL to identify critical occupations at the regional and state levels.
“These measures will help improve continuous upskilling and re-skilling programmes, as part of the future talent Big Bold measure in meeting the requirements of the industries, which are crucial in reducing underemployment,’’ it said.
To address labour shortage, the MTR said the government will introduce an initiative to encourage employers to hire people aged 60 and above, thus preparing the country as an aged nation.
At the same time, efforts will also be made to increase the participation of female labour by facilitating the setting up of childcare centres by employers and in this regard, existing tax incentives and guidelines on children centres will be streamlined.
“In addressing the labour shortage, the government will encourage employers to hire former inmates and paroled prisoners, including to participate in the Academy in Industry (Ail) programme.
“In addition, refugees who are in the country are allowed to work in certain sectors, while waiting for relocation to third countries. Data on refugees will be consolidated to ensure smooth implementation in hiring refugees,’’ it said.
