Ministry Of Human Resources Intensifies Initiatives To Expand Well-Paying Job Opportunities In Rural Areas

KUALA LUMPUR: The Government, through the Ministry of Human Resources, continues to implement various strategic initiatives to expand high-quality, well-paying job opportunities for the local workforce, including in rural areas.

Deputy Human Resources Minister, Datuk Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan said these proactive measures across various ministries and agencies aim to reduce the migration of youths from rural areas to major cities.

He said the government also recognises that competitive and commensurate wage rates are a key attraction factor in retaining youths in their home areas.

“In this regard, the government is also undertaking efforts to ensure more appropriate and commensurate payment rates for all workers through the implementation of the minimum wage under the Minimum Wage Order 2024, which came into full effect on August 1, 2025.

“However, the government encourages employers to offer more competitive salaries as well as additional allowances to attract local workers,” he said.

He said this when responding to a question from Datuk Seri Dr Richard Riot Jaem (GPS-Serian) on measures to expand job opportunities, including in the Serian parliamentary constituency, to reduce the migration of youths to major cities, during the question-and-answer session in the Dewan Rakyat here today.

To ensure that workers enjoy better income, Khairul Firdaus said the Starting Salary Guide and annual salary increments have been introduced under the Progressive Wage Policy to balance employers’ capabilities.

He said under Budget 2026, job seekers or new graduates who need to relocate due to receiving a job offer will be given a mobility allowance of up to RM1,000 from the Social Security Organisation (PERKESO).

Khairul Firdaus said the Industry Academy Programme under KESUMA as well as the MyMahir platform by Talent Corporation Malaysia Berhad (TalentCorp) also help provide career pathways and skills information that meet the needs of the country’s economic sectors.

In response to Richard Riot’s supplementary question on the benefits of establishing the Serian Advanced Technology Training Centre (ADTEC), he said the centre offers highly employable programmes through collaboration with strategic industry partners.

BERNAMA