GEORGE TOWN: Young Malaysians would rather get a job that would allow them to earn money for themselves than to be given a one-off cash aid.
While they are grateful for the RM500 incentive from Budget 2024 for volunteer work, most said they hope the government would address the lack of job opportunities for fresh graduates.
Mazlan Aziz, 20, who will be graduating from a public university in two years, said that he was a bit worried looking at the current job market.
“I have a few senior friends who failed to get work in the field they graduated in. Most of them are either working in a field that does not match their qualifications or in the gig economy as food delivery riders,” he said.
Mazlan said although it was the government’s intention to help youth, a stable career during this challenging time should be on the agenda for fresh graduates.
“I feel the government can do better in terms of helping graduates by investing more in the new generation. They could help us by providing better training to upskill us,” he said.
He said that coming from a B40 family, he looked forward to earning his own income by getting involved in some side business with his university mates.
“It is only through this way that we can sustain our daily life as students living in a big city,” said Mazlan.
Jazz Tain said the RM500 incentive is not that much and can’t really help students sustain themselves financially.
“I think ensuring job opportunities for graduating students is far more beneficial for us. It is hard to get a job especially for those who are in courses like broadcasting and commerce,” said the 21-year-old student.
He said some of his friends and relatives had to wait one to two years before getting their dream job.
Tain, who lives in Kuala Lumpur, said he plans to earn some extra income after his graduation, but so far, has no idea what to do. He added that he hopes the government can help students find their footing by organising life skill programmes to benefit the younger generation.
Final year student Ong Xiao Yun, 21, said the government should introduce subsidised flight tickets for students from Sabah and Sarawak.
“I have college friends who are from there, and as most of them are from B40 families, they often do not have enough funds to return home during their semester breaks.
“Subsidising flight tickets for students will be a good move by the government to show that it cares for the less privileged,” she said.
On helping youth get on their feet upon graduation, Ong said the government should create more awareness about programmes to improve soft skills.
“There are a lot of programmes such as E-Latih and Upskill Malaysia, but they lack outreach, especially for those living in rural areas,” she added.
