Jitra: The upgrading project for the Fashion and Clothing Technology Department (JTFP) at the National Youth Skills Institute (IKBN) here reflects the government's commitment to strengthening infrastructure and training facilities for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Youth and Sports Ministry (KBS) secretary-general Datuk Rahimi Ismail said the RM3.7 million project involved building upgrades, the procurement of information and communications technology (ICT) equipment, as well as furniture to provide more modern, safe and conducive training facilities.

He said the project was implemented under the Rolling Plan 4 (RP4) of the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP) and was officially handed over to KBS today. 'The building upgrading works were carried out by the Public Works Department (JKR) under the IKBN Jitra Textile Technology Department Training Facility Upgrading Project, which commenced on June 15, 2025, at a contract value of RM1.577 million.

'Quality training facilities are important to ensure TVET programmes remain relevant and aligned with technological developments and current industry needs,' he said in his speech at the project handover ceremony here today.

Rahimi said the project provides a safer, more comfortable and modern teaching and learning environment, including a Level Three fashion workshop and a smart classroom. 'These facilities are expected to enhance the quality of teaching and learning, stimulate creativity and innovation, and provide training experiences that more closely resemble actual industry settings,' he said.

He said the ever-changing fashion industry, driven by technology, creativity and market demands, required TVET institutions to keep pace with industry developments. 'I hope the work of IKBN Jitra students will not only gain recognition at the state and national levels, but also penetrate international markets and the global fashion scene,' he said.