Skills-related Underemployment Drops To 35.7 Pct In Q1 2025

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 6 (Bernama) -- Malaysia’s rate of skills-related underemployment declined to 35.7 per cent in the first quarter of 2025, down from 37.3 per cent in 2022, the Dewan Rakyat was told today.

Deputy Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Mohamad said the decrease was the result of coordinated efforts across ministries to address skills mismatches in the labour market.

“The Ministry of Human Resources (KESUMA), through agencies such as TalentCorp, the Manpower Department (JTM) and the Human Resource Development Corporation (HRD Corp), plays a key role in developing a skilled workforce that meets current industry demands,” he said during the question-and-answer session.

He was responding to Mohd Misbahul Munir Masduki (PN–Parit Buntar), who asked about steps taken to address labour market imbalances, particularly with 35.7 per cent of current unemployment linked to skills mismatch.

Abdul Rahman said 84,231 individuals underwent training under JTM programmes in 2024, with 48,833 trained as of June 30.

To ensure training remains relevant, the Skills Development Department (JPK) has reviewed the National Occupational Skills Standards (NOSS) and updated its certification framework in line with current industry needs, he said.

As of June, a total of 2,012 active NOSS standards were available for implementation, supported by 1,619 accredited training centres nationwide.

He noted that TalentCorp has also conducted an impact study on artificial intelligence (AI), digitalisation and the green economy to assess their effects on Malaysia’s workforce. Findings from the study led to the development of the MyMAHIR.my digital portal.

To ensure alignment between training and industry needs, the MyMAHIR Future Skills Talent Council (FSTC) was established, led by industry representatives, to identify priority training areas and select suitable training providers, he added.

As of June, 66 training programmes involving 2,336 participants were being implemented under FSTC.

Abdul Rahman also highlighted National Training Week (NTW) 2025, led by HRD Corp, which will offer more than 72,000 free training sessions, including in AI, coding, cybersecurity and data analytics.

He said approximately 3.5 million individuals from Malaysia and ASEAN have registered for the programmes, which are delivered through physical, online and hybrid formats.

-- BERNAMA