CONGRATULATIONS: Abdul Karim presents a certificate to one of the students.
MIRI: The government needs to reduce dependence on foreign unskilled labour.
Minister of Housing Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg who said this yesterday revealed that the number of unskilled foreign workers had more than doubled to 1.9 million since 2000.
“The government aims to restructure the labour market to make Malaysia a high-income economy through the creation of an efficient labour market to develop, attract and retain human capital with talent,” he said at the convocation ceremony of the Manpower Department Training Institute (ILJTM), East Region held at Industrial Training Institute (ILP) Miri here yesterday.
He said lack of the necessary skills could prevent the nation transforming into a high income economy.
As of July this year, a total of 5,396 students from the Manpower Department Training Institute (ILJTM) across the country have completed their training. This year 497 students graduated from ILJTM Sarawak.
Some 32 graduates of National Dual Training System (SLDN) from Samling Group of Companies who had completed training at ILP Miri received their certificates at yesterday’s ceremony.
Abg Johari said skilled human capital and resources form the backbone of the country’s economy.
The total workforce in Sarawak for year 2011 amounted to 1,043,400 in all sectors of employment.
But the number was still insufficient to meet the needs of Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE).
Based on a study by Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas), approximately 266,895 new jobs for 10 major sectors and 667,238 new jobs in SCORE will be created until 2030.
According to data obtained from Labour Department, there are still 67.8 per cent vacancies (27,697 vacancies) until June 2012 in the three major sectors of construction, manufacturing and agriculture & forestry.
“Some of you will fill some of the vacancies. You must seize this opportunity as a job is waiting. The rest is up to your effort and initiative,” Abg Johari said in his speech which was delivered by Assistant Minister of Housing Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
He said graduates from the institute had to prove they had the skills and knowledge to get a job with a good income.
He advised graduates already working: “Show a loyal attitude, focus on the job and prove that ILJTM graduates have the personality and skill.”
“For those wanting to continue your studies, there are many institutions to choose from. Advanced Technology Training Institute (ADTEC) offers Diploma level study skills and SKM Level 4 and Level 5.
“Graduates in Sarawak need not worry as ADTEC Bintulu has open and will enrol in July next year. It is a platform to enhance skills without having to go to the peninsula,” he said.
Abg Johari said with ADTEC Bintulu established, including three more institutions under the Manpower Department, student capacity in ILJTM could reach 23,000. There are 32 ILJTMs across the country.
Among those present were Communications Assistant Minister Datuk Lee Kim Shin, Manpower Department director Datuk Romli Hassan, ADTEC Bintulu director and East Region ILJTM chairman Dr Ramli Rashidi and ILP Miri director Mohd Faizal Tokeran.