KUALA LUMPUR: Almost RM110mil has been allocated through various initiatives to help workers remain competitive in the AI-driven job landscape, says Datuk Seri Ramanan Ramakrishnan.
The Human Resources Minister said that among the initiatives was TalentCorp's AI MyMahir Roadshow to equip Malaysians with AI-related skills.
He said AI was reshaping workplaces and the biggest challenge was not technology replacing people, but workers choosing not to upgrade their skills.
"The question is no longer whether AI will change our work environment, as the change is already taking place. What is more of a concern is not AI replacing workers but workers who refuse to learn being left behind by those who master AI," he said at the 2026 Trade Union Affairs Programme (PHEKS) grant presentation ceremony here on Tuesday (June 23).
He said the aim of the initiative was to ensure Malaysians would not merely become users of AI technology but highly skilled workers capable of leading in their respective fields.
Ramanan said the government was committed to strengthening the country's trade union movement.
Describing unions as more than organisations representing workers' interests, he said they are the voice of workers and an important check-and-balance mechanism at a workplace and a strategic partner of the government in ensuring the country's economic development remains fair and inclusive.
"When workers are treated fairly, productivity will increase. When employers have quality workers, businesses will grow. When both succeed, the country benefits," he said.
Ramanan said the Madani government has allocated RM6.1mil this year for the nationwide implementation of the programme to strengthen the country's trade union movement.
He said that from the total allocation, RM3.5mil will fund training, education, research, digitalisation and governance programmes, while RM2.6mil will be utilised for outreach and corporate social responsibility programmes.
"This is not just about the numbers. It is an investment to ensure the trade union movement remains relevant," he said.
At the event, 315 trade unions received grants totalling RM2.88mil to strengthen their organisations, improve governance and carry out programmes benefiting their members.
Ramanan said there are 786 registered trade unions with more than 1.06 million members as of Dec 31 last year.
However, he pointed out that with only about 6% of the country's workforce being trade union members, many are not reaping the benefits of union representation.
Ramanan said workers should not view trade unions as organisations to turn to only when problems arise.
"Trade unions are not just there to solve problems. They help prevent problems from happening in the first place," he said, likening it to people who only visit a doctor after falling ill instead of taking preventive measures.
Asked about the ministry's plan to increase union membership, Ramanan said trade unions should play a bigger role by organising more activities, attracting new members and providing greater exposure to workers.
He said participation in international labour conferences and engagements would also help strengthen Malaysia's trade union movement.
