300,000 SPM graduates want to stop studies

MELAKA - The Human Resources Ministry is concerned over the challenge of producing skilled workers as a number of school leavers are not interested in furthering their studies.

Its deputy minister Mustapa Sakmud said that this could slow down the ministry's target to produce 35 per cent of skilled workers by 2030, as the country currently only has 28 per cent.

He said that according to the Malaysian Education Ministry, about 300,000 SPM graduates want to stop their studies due to factors such as being attracted to the gig economy.

"This is a big challenge for us, as the economic influence of the gig economy has had a negative impact on young people.

"We want to become a developed country with enough skilled workers so that we can move our industries in this country," he told reporters after concluding the 2023 South Zone Industrial Harmony Symposium at a hotel in Ayer Keroh on Thursday.

Also present was Malaysian Industrial Relations Department director-general Khalid Jali.

The Sepanggar MP said that all ministries, schools, and parents need to work together to raise awareness among the younger generation about the importance of education.

He said that this includes encouraging them to obtain skills certificates for a more secure future.

"Don't just think short-term, think long-term.

"What will always remain is that they need to have a Malaysian Certificate of Education (SPM), they need to have a skills certificate, and of course, they need to further their studies up to diploma or degree level," he added.