Pay interns an appropriate allowance, PM urges employers

KUALA LUMPUR: Companies have been urged to consider giving interns a reasonable allowance to cover their daily needs while they are on their industrial training programmes, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

The Prime Minister said while the government did not establish clear terms and regulations on the payment for interns, he said that companies must also look into the welfare of trainees and new graduates.

"We understand that an internship is not a regular job but just an opportunity for early exposure to work," he said during the launch of the Capital Market Graduate Programme at the Securities Commission headquarters on Monday (June 19).

"However, it would be reasonable to provide an allowance to cover their daily travel expenses, transportation fares, and meals.

Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister, said that he raised the issue after speaking directly to students and those who recently graduated regarding the proposal.

Citing an example, Anwar said that while he was holding the Opposition leader in parliament previously, he also hired interns to work under the Opposition chief's office.

"When I was the Opposition leader in Parliament previously, I also hired interns for the office with the additional RM1,800 allowance given by the then government.

"I had to seek funds to pay at least RM1,000 to the interns then," said Anwar.

"Aside from that, they received the early exposure to meet directly with ministers, MPs, to understand the Federal Constitution, laws, as well as attending the briefing by respective ministries.

"So, on behalf of the youth and the graduates, I am sharing their grouses so consideration can be given on some allowance and I hope this will be accepted by all of you," he said, to the cheers from the floor.

On the launch of CMGP's new name, InvestED, Anwar said that a highly skilled and knowledgeable workforce, especially in the capital market, was essential for a sustainable economy.

"We need local expertise who are able to understand the complexities of the market, anticipate trends and changes, and provide innovative solutions to every market obstacle including Islamic Finance.

"By providing opportunities to develop skills and knowledge in the capital market industry to young graduates, this program seeks to build a solid foundation for Malaysia's future economic growth," added Anwar.

He also noted that the CMGP was in line with the aspirations of Madani as it will serve as a unique initiative that brings together the government and private sectors to create a platform for both graduates and employers.

"I understand that 9,000 students will benefit from exposure to job opportunities in the capital market industry with 600 people guaranteed to get a job within three years," he said.

Anwar said that he was also confident that this can be further improved through the participation of more industry players who collaborate with universities.

"At the same time, I hope that programmes like this also help students from poor families so that they are not left behind to reap the benefits of better job opportunities," he said, adding that this was also in line with the aspirations of Malaysia Madani.