IPOH: In support of high-impact projects under the 13th Malaysia Plan, Perak has declared 2025 the “Year of the TVET Campaign” aimed at meeting its demands for high-skilled labour, says Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad.
The Mentri Besar said it was the move was crucial to address concerns that the local labour force would not meet the demand for high-skilled jobs, forcing investors to bring in foreign workers.
“We want to change the perception that TVET is a second-class option.
“This year, we are campaigning not only among students, but also teachers and parents to encourage greater participation in technical and vocational education,” he said during the state assembly sitting at Bangunan Perak Darul Ridzuan in Ipoh on Thursday (Sept 11).
Saarani was replying to a supplementary question by acting state Opposition whip Zainol Fadzi Paharudin (PN-Sungai Manik), who questioned whether Perak’s workforce would be ready for these high-tech projects, as investors may otherwise import foreign labour.
Saarani said Perak currently has 100 higher education institutions, with 62 of them offering TVET programmes, including community colleges, GiatMara centres, skills institutes and universities.
He added that the state government is collaborating with training providers to design courses tailored to the needs of the mega projects, such as automotive, maritime, electrical and electronic industries.
“For example, in Tanjung Malim, with the development of the Automotive High-Tech Valley (AHTV), we are working with Politeknik Sultan Azlan Shah and UniKL to provide automotive-related TVET programmes.
“In Lumut, we are coordinating with institutions to prepare skilled manpower for the maritime and energy sectors,” he said.
Saarani said among the immediate needs is the Third Regasification Terminal (RGT3) in Lumut, developed by Petronas and scheduled to start operations next February, that would require 3,000 skilled welders.
He added that another major federal project, the proposed water transfer from Sungai Perak to Bukit Merah in Kerian would also require a large number of skilled tunnelling workers.
“These mega projects are expected to create tens of thousands of jobs, many of which are high-skilled roles in green technology, electric vehicles, halal industries, maritime logistics and rare earth processing,” he said.
Saarani stressed that the campaign is part of Perak Sejahtera 2030, which envisions positioning the state as Malaysia’s “TVET Corridor”.
“We are going all out because we do not want investors to lose confidence in Perak.
“With proper preparation, these projects will not only bring investment but also provide opportunities for our youth to thrive,” he said.
