Pahang Leads Job Market
KUANTAN: Pahang recorded a labour force participation rate of 65.3 percent, the highest on the East Coast, while the unemployment rate remained low at 1.9 percent for the first quarter of 2026.
Deputy Human Resources Minister, Datuk Khairul Akhbar Firdaus Khan said that this achievement shows positive development in the state’s labour market, in addition to increased participation of the people in economic activities.
However, he said, the challenge of the job market now is no longer just about providing job opportunities, but rather ensuring that the workforce has the skills that meet industry needs.
“The implementation of the MYFutureJobs programme aims to provide good returns to young people by ensuring they obtain job opportunities through the best methods recognised by the government.
“Most importantly, MYFutureJobs is not just about providing job opportunities, but also offers training that is in line with industry demand,” he said.
He said this when met by reporters after launching the MYFutureJobs Indera Mahkota Carnival at the Sultan Ahmad Shah International Convention Centre (SASICC) here on Sunday.
The carnival was organised by the Ministry of Human Resources (KESUMA) through its agency, the Social Security Organisation (PERKESO).
At the same programme, Khairul Akhbar also officiated the launch of Sahabat Madani together with the Political Secretary to the Prime Minister, Datuk Ahmad Farhan Fauzi.
Through the programme, Khairul Akhbar said that 6,000 job opportunities were provided as an effort to help job seekers obtain suitable employment.
According to him, MYFutureJobs is also supported through the provision of upskilling and reskilling training tailored to industry needs.
“Not many countries out there provide such opportunities.
“This is among the field movements to ensure that there is no significant unemployment in our country, particularly in Pahang,” he said.
He said that the training provided must truly meet industry needs so as to benefit the workforce.
“Without understanding industry needs, that training is just self‑indulgent training,” he said.
Meanwhile, Ahmad Farhan said that Sahabat Madani is an initiative to strengthen the spirit of togetherness, volunteerism and social concern among the people, especially among the youth.
According to him, this community movement aims to convey the aspirations of the Madani government, besides identifying the needs of the community at the grassroots level.
“At the same time, we want to cultivate the spirit of mutual help, reaching out to those in need, improving the standard of living of the community and strengthening unity regardless of race, religion and background,” he said.
He said that the target of 2,000 Sahabat Madani participants in Pahang was successfully achieved, but efforts to attract more young people to join the movement will continue.
Sinar Harian