Job market still upbeat in Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR: The job market in Malaysia continues to remain upbeat, according to the Michael Page 2016 South-East Asia Salary and Employment Outlook.

“We have observed an increase in hiring on a national basis rather than just Kuala Lumpur and the surrounding areas. While Kuala Lumpur remains dominant, were seeing key decisions and investment being made in other parts of the country,” said Michael Page managing director for Malaysia and Thailand, Paul Cooper.

As Malaysia had increasingly sought to become a manufacturing and logistics hub, demand for talents in these sectors was rising, with 31% of employers looking for talents in the manufacturing sector and 22% in the logistics sector, said the report.

It said although the Government had continued with its effort to encourage Malaysians working overseas to return home through tax incentive schemes and the returning expert programme, most Malaysian expatriates were attracted by the opportunities and lifestyle abroad, with the weak ringgit further dampening salaries if they return.

According to the report, 48% of Malaysians changed jobs to increase their salary, while 37% of respondents are expecting a salary increase of 6%-10% in the coming year.

“For Malaysia, salary and career progression are the top two motivators, at 64% and 57% respectively, while recognition and benefits (55%) comes in third,” it said. — Bernama