BUKIT MERTAJAM: Measures are being taken to create alternative employment opportunities to address recent job losses, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
He said that among them is to expand skills training in high-growth sectors such as information technology (IT) and artificial intelligence (AI).
“We are deliberating this at the National Economic Action Council (MTEN) meeting, with intervention measures expected to be ready within one or two weeks,” he told reporters after presenting sacrificial cows to the community at Padang Mengkuang Titi in Kubang Semang.
The Prime Minister was responding to reports that more than 7,000 jobs were lost in April, a 21% increase compared with 5,855 cases recorded in March, as disclosed by Economy Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir.
Anwar said the government would also ensure better synergy between incoming investments and job opportunities for Malaysians, particularly in several major industrial areas.
“There are now new job opportunities and we must channel them properly so there is synergy with new investments coming into areas such as Perak, Penang, Kulim High Tech (Kedah), Selangor, Negri Sembilan, Johor and Sarawak.
“We have discussed this at MTEN and within one or two weeks, I will take steps to improve the situation and provide alternative employment opportunities,” he added.
The Prime Minister said the IT and AI sectors are among the government’s key focus areas due to strong market demand.
“If there is a need, we will provide special training to enable these youths to enter new fields of employment,” he said.
On whether the situation was worrying, Anwar said it was not yet at an alarming stage.
“As far as the overall numbers are concerned, it is not yet at a worrying stage, but every person who loses a job will certainly feel the burden, especially on their family.
“That is why we are trying to address it as best we can,” he added.
