The amount will roll out initiatives to help the nation’s 3.1mil job seekers
KUALA LUMPUR: A total of RM5mil will be allocated to the Social Security Organisation (PERKESO) to roll out initiatives aimed at boosting the employability of graduates and job seekers in higher education institutions.
Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan said PERKESO database has a record of 3.1 million job seekers.
He said although the country’s unemployment rate stands at an 11-year low of 2.9%, a significant mismatch remains between workers and their jobs.
He said the Fourth Quarter 2025 Labour Force Report shows 1.96 million Malaysians are categorised as underemployed in terms of skills.
“Nearly two million people are working below their actual skill levels. On average, one in three graduates today is working in a field that does not align with their academic qualifications.
“This is a waste of potential that we cannot allow to persist. When talent is not placed in the right position, the national economy also suffers,” he said at the launch of the MyFutureJobs Career Exploration Centre (MYCEC) at Nu Sentral here yesterday.
Also present were ministry secretary-general Datuk Azman Mohd Yusof, PERKESO chairman Datuk Seri Subahan Kamal and chief executive officer Datuk Seri Mohammed Azman Aziz Mohammed.
Ramanan said PERKESO resolved 208,000 unemployment cases last year and aims to achieve its annual target of 200,000 job placements this year.
“As of February, we have solved 12,000 unemployment cases,” he added.
MYCEC is the country’s first immersive hub designed to help job seekers match their qualifications and skills with suitable employment opportunities.
“We are creating this ecosystem as a one-stop centre. You come here and apply for a job.
“AI will tell you which area best suits you, whether it’s manufacturing, engineering, high-skilled training, computer science or other fields.
“Once it is identified, you can access the same portal, where job opportunities will also be displayed,” said Ramanan.
He added that if MYCEC proves successful, more centres would be set up in other cities.
He also urged PERKESO to engage directly with university students and job seekers on campuses and within communities to provide face-to-face guidance.
Beginning April, the initiative will involve 400 higher education institutions nationwide, further strengthening MyFutureJobs as a catalyst for digitalisation and technological innovation among students.
