KOTA KINABALU: An RM6mil economic package has been placed under the state Human Resource Development Department to help retrenched youths and those who have lost their sources of income due to the Covid-19 pandemic, says Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor(pic).

       The Chief Minister said the package was among initiatives taken by the state government to overcome the unprecedented challenges brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic.

       “The pandemic had caused not only economic difficulties but also social, health and various other issues that have affected youths and human capital development,” said Hajiji at his special address at the Minds for Malaysia (M4M) ‘Bridging the Skills Gap’ virtual conference organised by MyProdigy Malaysia on Saturday (Oct 9).

       As such, he said under the 2021 state budget, the state had specifically allocated RM22.96mil to carry out courses and skills training for youths in technology, technical and commerce.

       "We have also allocated RM55mil for the purpose of scholarships to students who pursue studies in skill-related courses and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET)," he said, adding that the Federal Government has also taken various initiatives allocating RM35bil to alleviate the difficulties faced by the people under the National Economic Recovery Plan or Penjana.

       He said that Penjana’s initiatives included the wage subsidy programme to promote employee retention and to reduce layoffs, hiring and training assistance for businesses to encourage the hiring of employees by providing financial incentives to employers and re-skilling and upskilling programmes which aim to enhance employability.

       Hajiji said unemployment among youths in Malaysia has been a rising concern particularly in Sabah where youths made up the majority of semi-skilled and low-skilled categories.

       "Like most of the world, Malaysia has to deal with the challenges of educating and employing its youth who should be productive individuals to be able to contribute to the development of a nation.

       "If youths unemployment remains high and prolonged, the negative long-term impact on families, society, communities and the nation would be damaging," he said, adding that the job market was getting more selective and competitive.

       He urged youths especially fresh graduates to be dynamic and proactive in incorporating multitasking into their experience.