IPOH (Bernama): The Perak government has spent more than RM200mil this year to implement the economic stimulus package aimed at helping those affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.

       Mentri Besar Datuk Saarani Mohamad said the sum also included various initiatives and programmes to revive the economy, as well as providing skills training to help those affected find new jobs.

       He added that this included organising Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Week in the state aimed at encouraging young people to take up skills training.

       The Perak Entrepreneur Development Secretariat (STeP) also played a significant role in helping entrepreneurs rebuild and expand their businesses, he said.

       "The state government also encourages collaboration with various parties to strengthen the TVET module because we believe skills are among the best options in an increasingly challenging job market," he said on Wednesday (Nov 10).

       Speaking after the virtual opening of a reskilling programme organised by TNB Integrated Learning Solution Sdn Bhd (ILSAS) and Digital Perak Corporation Holdings, he said the programme was a good initiative in line with the state government's desire to enhance knowledge and skills of the workforce.

       It would also help boost the digital transformation of Perak, he added.

       The programme offers a variety of training courses for free, specifically to employees of small enterprises affected by the pandemic, to improve their skills.

       "This is a good initiative as the continuity and growth of an enterprise or business moves in line with the level of competence or skill of the workforce," he added. – Bernama