KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s technical and vocational education and training (TVET) sector continues to expand, with a record 423,267 registered participants in 1,398 institutions operating nationwide last year, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
The Deputy Prime Minister said this was an increase from 407,000 in 2023 and that the graduate employability rate has reached 94.5%, underscoring the growing demand for skilled workers.
Ahmad Zahid, who is also chairman of the National TVET Council Committee, highlighted the role of institutions such as GiatMara, vocational colleges, and Youth and Sports Ministry Training Institutes (ILKBS) in equipping over 70,000 students with expertise in fields including electrical and electronics technology, mechanics, computer systems, agriculture, hospitality, photography, and sports therapy.
"TVET graduates must remain relevant, which is why the curriculum is now aligned with the Occupational/Industry Standard Practice (OISP) and integrated with the New Industrial Master Plan 2030 (NIMP 2030) and High Growth High Value (HGHV) framework," he said when winding up his ministerial reply on the motion of thanks for the Royal Address in the Dewan Rakyat on Wednesday (Feb 19).
He said the government is also modernising and digitalising TVET by upgrading digital infrastructure in training centres, incorporating technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT) and augmented reality (AR), and providing industry-aligned professional training for educators.
In terms of disaster management, Ahmad Zahid said the government is enhancing inter-agency coordination for a faster and more effective response.
"The Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) has introduced on-site command posts to improve coordination, while state secretariats will receive rescue boats to strengthen disaster response capabilities.
"Mobile bridges, such as the Bailey bridge, will be deployed to ensure uninterrupted logistics in affected areas.
"Additionally, an online geospatial reporting system is being utilised for real-time disaster monitoring and coordination,” he said.
He added that financial aid remains a priority, with RM1,000 in Bantuan Wang Ihsan (BWI) provided to household heads displaced by disasters and registered at temporary relief centres.
"Those unable to stay at these centres because of capacity constraints will still qualify for aid upon registration. We will continue to enhance coordination to ensure every disaster victim receives the necessary assistance,” he said.
Ahmad Zahid, who is also Rural and Regional Development Minister, said the government is committed to improving early childhood education through the Community Development Department, allocating RM40mil for the maintenance and refurbishment of nursery schools and nurseries nationwide.
"The funds will also be used to upgrade learning equipment, benefitting 575 classrooms in this year,” he said.
He also announced that RM9.896mil has been allocated to enhance digital infrastructure and learning ecosystems in early childhood education centres.
