Underemployment: HR minister refutes opposition rep's data
PARLIAMENT | Human Resources Minister Steven Sim has refuted a claim that the number of tertiary-educated workers who are employed in low-skilled jobs in Malaysia has increased by 100,000 in the third quarter of 2024.
In his answer to a question posed by Afnan Hamimi Taib Azamudden (PN-Alor Setar), Sim said there was only a 10,000 increase recorded in the third quarter of 2024, compared to the same period last year.
“The statement by YB Alor Setar that there was an increase of...
PARLIAMENT | Human Resources Minister Steven Sim has refuted a claim that the number of tertiary-educated workers who are employed in low-skilled jobs in Malaysia has increased by 100,000 in the third quarter of 2024.
In his answer to a question posed by Afnan Hamimi Taib Azamudden (PN-Alor Setar), Sim (above) said there was only a 10,000 increase recorded in the third quarter of 2024, compared to the same period last year.
“The statement by YB Alor Setar that there was an increase of 100,000 persons from 1.94 million in the previous quarter to 1.95 million in Q3 this year was inaccurate.
“The rate of underemployment in the third quarter of 2024 is 36.8 percent. This is an improvement compared to 37.3 percent recorded in the Q3 of 2023,” he said during the minister’s question time at the Dewan Rakyat earlier today.
Sim said the government is always aware and proactive in addressing the issue of underemployment among the local workforce.
According to the Statistics Department’s (DOSM) Labour Survey report, underemployment refers to those with tertiary education and working in the semi-skilled and low-skilled categories.
These workers often receive salaries that are not commensurate with their education and skill levels.
Extending practical training
Earlier this month, DOSM in a statement said there are about 1.95 million Malaysians who are underemployed in the country as of the third quarter of 2024.
This showed a 0.7 percent increase compared to the previous quarter, it said.
The group represents 36.8 percent of tertiary educated persons who are in the workforce.
Sim said the ministry is in discussion with the Higher Education Ministry and several universities on extending practical training periods for undergraduates.
This, he said, is an important strategy that can further strengthen the students’ skills and increase their marketability.
