Zambry: KPT Ensures Graduates Get Jobs In Line With Qualifications, Thereby Addressing Underemployment Issue

PETALING JAYA, Oct 5 (Bernama) -- The Ministry of Higher Education (KPT) continues to strengthen cooperation with related ministries to ensure that university, polytechnic, and community college graduates obtain jobs that align with their academic qualifications, thereby addressing the issue of underemployment in the country.

Its minister, Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir, said the initiative was implemented through strategic cooperation, particularly involving the KPT, Ministry of Economy, and Ministry of Human Resources, in line with the Malaysia Higher Education Plan 2026-2035.

He said that continuous efforts are important to ensure that the thousands of graduates produced yearly can be matched with job fields that are suitable for their qualifications and the current market needs.

"Among the steps taken by the KPT is close collaboration between these main ministries to ensure that those graduating from universities or polytechnics can have their job fields aligned according to their qualifications," he said.

He said this at a press conference in conjunction with the 2026 Academia Day and Month Celebration at the Universiti Malaya (UM) here today.

The celebration of Academia Day is held on Oct 5 every year since it was announced by the government in 2019 in recognition and appreciation of the contributions of academicians, scholars, researchers, and intellectuals in the national higher education ecosystem.

Commenting on graduate salaries, Zambry said the matter had been discussed in the Cabinet meeting and received special attention from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, in line with the salary adjustment measures that will be announced later.

In the meantime, he said that the KPT continues to strive to facilitate the affairs of the academic community and eliminate any constraints that could hinder the development of research and the transfer of knowledge.

He also said that the main focus is to translate the results of research and innovation at the university so that they can be directly utilised by the community and contribute to the development of the country.

Regarding KPT's expectations for the upcoming national budget, he hopes for an increase in allocations, especially for development and management expenditures.

"We need to look at the aspects of student welfare, especially basic facilities, maintenance, and repairs of accommodation premises in universities, polytechnics, and community colleges that require immediate attention," he added.

-- BERNAMA