PUTRAJAYA must intensify efforts to create more employment opportunities for university graduates, especially those in B40 group, Mohd Shafie Apdal said.

The Warisan president proposed that the government prioritise the gig economy and entrepreneurship for graduates seeking employment.

“In addition, contract positions with government agencies and companies can be offered to them,” he said in a statement posted on his Facebook page.

“Warisan is of the view that the issue of underemployment should be given immediate attention.”

Shafie said in 2020, the number of graduates ready to enter the job market was 260,701.

However, he said, the number of jobs suited for their skills in 2020 was 73,000, down 31,000 from the previous year.

“This has resulted in many of these graduates getting jobs below the qualifications they have earned,” he said.

Shafie said according to data released by the Department of Statistics Malaysia in July, 778,200 Malaysians have lost their jobs or are still unemployed, an increase of 4.8% from the previous month. 

“The unemployment rate in July 2021 was the highest for the year. Although the government has allocated RM530 billion in the previous eight (economic stimulus packages), the unemployment rate continues to rise without a definitive solution,” he said.

He added that issue of mismatch (job positions) in the country’s labour market should be addressed immediately so that it does not hamper ongoing economic recovery efforts. – September 17, 2021.