THE National Association of Skilled Workers hopes the government can set a minimum wage for young people with certificates, diplomas and advanced diplomas for vocations listed in the Malaysian skills certification (SKM) system.

Secretary-general Mohammad Rizan Hassan said yesterday that the minimum salary or basic starting salary suitable for a level one or two SKM graduate was RM1,800, and RM2,000 for a level three graduate.

He said a level four Malaysian skills diploma (DKM) should earn RM2,300, and RM2,800 for a level four advanced Malaysian skills diploma (DLKM).

According to Rizan, most employers currently offer salaries of RM1,500-1,700 for level one to three SKM holders; RM1,800-1,900 for DKM and RM2,000 for DLKM.

“Employers should not question the level of competence of Technical and Vocational Education graduate employees because they have been trained to National Occupational Skill Standard, which has been jointly developed by employers and industry,” he said. – Bernama, January 9, 2023.