Kuala lumpur: The government through the Ministry of Human Resources (KESUMA) continues to implement various strategic initiatives to expand high-quality and well-paid job opportunities for local workers, including in rural areas. Deputy Minister of Human Resources Datuk Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan highlighted these efforts as essential to curbing the migration of youth from rural areas to big cities.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Khairul Firdaus emphasized that competitive and fair wage rates play a crucial role in retaining youth in their hometowns. He mentioned that the government is actively working to ensure suitable and equitable payment rates for all workers through the Minimum Wage Order 2024, which will be fully enforced by August 1, 2025. Despite this, employers are encouraged to offer more competitive wages and additional allowances to attract local workers.

Khairul Firdaus made these remarks while responding to a question from Datuk Seri Dr. Richard Riot Jaem (GPS-Serian) regarding measures to expand job opportunities in the Serian parliamentary constituency during a Dewan Rakyat session. To further enhance income levels, he announced the introduction of the Starting Salary Guide and annual salary increases under the Progressive Wage Policy to align with employers' capabilities.

Under Budget 2026, job seekers and new graduates relocating for career opportunities will benefit from a mobility allowance of up to RM1,000 provided by the Social Security Organisation (SOCSO). Additionally, the Academy in Industry (ADI) programme under KESUMA and the MyMahir platform by Talent Corporation Malaysia Berhad (TalentCorp) are instrumental in offering career paths and skills information tailored to the economic sector's needs.

Responding to a supplementary query from Richard Riot on the Serian High Technology Training Centre (ADTEC), Khairul Firdaus noted its significance in offering highly marketable programmes through partnerships with strategic industry players.