PETALING JAYA: MEF President Dato’ Dr Syed Hussain Syed Husman J.P. echoed the statement of Minister of Human Resources YB Datuk Seri M. Saravanan that the issue of low starting pay for graduates is temporary and would return to normal as the economy stabilised.
In commenting on the statement of the Minister of Human Resources on the matter on 9thApril 2021, Dato’ Dr Syed Hussain said the undesirable situation was caused by the current extremely challenging economic environment arising from Covid-19 pandemic, which would soon be under control.
"With the effective implementation of the National Immunisation Programme, and as employers and businesses begin to operate at full capacity, we share the view of the government that the situation will soon return to normal," said Dato’ Dr Syed Hussain.
"The issue of the underemployed fresh graduates, some of whom having reported to receive lower wages as starting salary in 2020, is merely temporary.
"Once the economy begins to recover, the starting wage levels would return to competitive market rates and the graduates could then expect higher wages based on their performance and productivity.
"We would advise the graduates not to be too concerned by the current low starting pay as employers value employees with good performance and higher productivity. Once the employee begins to contribute and perform, they would be rewarded accordingly.
"The work experience will also make the graduates more marketable and more employable.
"We are grateful that the government understands the needs of employers and has introduced several financial schemes to assist the businesses.
"MEF also appreciates the constant dialogues the government has with the industry via Majlis Perkerjaan Negara that focuses on employment, and together we – the employers, employees and government – will formulate the proper solutions," he said.
The MEF President said the Ministry of Human Resources through its various agencies including HRDF and SOCSO have come up with many programmes to further equip the unemployed graduates with the required skills needed to propel the economy forward.
"These programmes such as the E-Latih are designed to encourage employment and are really effective as industries are also involved," he added.
For further information, contact the MEF Secretariat at 03-7955-7778 or fax 03-7955-9008 or email mef-hq@mef.org.my.
10 APRIL 2021