PETALING JAYA: The ambitious targets to create 700,000 new jobs in manufacturing and 500,000 in the digital economy announced in the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) signal the government's robust commitment to counter de-industrialisation while embracing digitalisation and advanced technologies, says Tan Sri Soh Thian Lai.
The Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM) president emphasised that the focus on human capital reform is timely and necessary.
"It is commendable, especially with the goal of raising labour's share of GDP to 40% and achieving full employment by 2030," he said in a statement on Thursday (July 31).
He also noted the importance of aligning wages with skills, qualifications, and job roles, including extending minimum wage coverage to skilled and TVET graduates.
"It is a positive step toward enhancing job quality and retaining talent.
"Such wage-setting initiatives should be positioned as guidelines rather than mandates, as remuneration based on skills and qualifications will differ across industries due to variations in job complexity, market conditions, and productivity levels," he said.
FMM also supports the implementation of the multi-tier levy mechanism aimed at encouraging automation and the hiring of local workers.
However, Soh cautioned against abruptly reducing foreign worker reliance, advocating for gradual implementation with sector-specific considerations. "Flexibility in implementation is essential to balance competitiveness with inclusivity," he said.
Soh also commended the RM430bil for development expenditure, a fiscal strategy that balances stimulating demand with maintaining debt sustainability. "Public investment, particularly in infrastructure and skills upgrading, will serve as a foundational enabler for economic growth," he said.
Soh noted that the 13MP provided a strategic framework for resilience, productivity, and transformation from 2026 to 2030, with manufacturing positioned as a key growth driver. Recent data underscoring the manufacturing sector’s strong economic returns, especially in the electrical & electronics (E&E) segment, supports this focus.
Emphasising the importance of public service reform, Soh called for the use of innovative technologies to enhance service delivery and rebuild trust in government.
"Good governance and accountability are essential for the successful implementation of the RMK13," he said.
Soh also praised the 13MP's focus on digitalisation, AI, and renewable energy as catalysts for industrial transformation.
"The push for 'Made by Malaysia' products is well-placed, with SMEs playing a central role in driving innovation and value creation," he said, referring to initiatives like the expansion of 5G and the National AI Action Plan.
Soh noted that FMM views the 13MP as a strategic emphasis on high-productivity, investment-driven growth, with the manufacturing sector at the core of achieving macroeconomic and employment objectives.
"With effective implementation, the manufacturing ecosystem, particularly E&E, advanced automotive, and green industry, can serve as a national growth engine.
"We also see opportunities to deepen regional and sectoral spillovers through targeted infrastructure, regional development, and workforce reforms.
"The 13MP lays a credible foundation; delivering on this plan will require policy coherence, private sector engagement, and sustained institutional focus," added Soh.
