Penanti: The government will take immediate measures within the next two weeks to assist the 7,057 workers reported to have lost their jobs in April. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the matter had been discussed at the National Economic Action Council (MTEN) meeting to improve the situation and provide alternative employment opportunities for those affected, especially youths.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, emphasized the government's commitment to ensuring better synergy between incoming investments and job opportunities for Malaysians, particularly in several major industrial areas nationwide. He highlighted the importance of channeling new job opportunities effectively to align with incoming investments in regions such as Perak, Penang, Kulim High Tech (Kedah), Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, Johor, and Sarawak. Anwar assured that additional measures would be implemented within the next week or two to help restore the situation and create new job opportunities, especially for young people.
Anwar was responding to media reports indicating a 21 percent increase in job losses in April compared to the 5,855 cases recorded in March, as disclosed by Economy Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir. The prime minister noted that the information technology (IT) and artificial intelligence (AI) sectors are among the government's key focus areas due to strong market demand. He stated that if necessary, special training would be provided to enable youths to enter these new fields of employment.
He acknowledged the seriousness of the situation, emphasizing that while the job losses had not reached an alarming level, the government was taking the impact on affected individuals and their families seriously. Anwar reiterated the government's commitment to addressing job loss issues promptly and effectively.
Earlier, Anwar, who is also former Permatang Pauh MP, contributed 260 sacrificial cows to the Permatang Pauh parliamentary constituency in conjunction with this year's Aidiladha celebration.