Kuala lumpur: The Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Tahfiz Programme will continue to be strengthened through collaboration with various ministries and government agencies to expand access to the programme for students from tahfiz institutions and religious schools. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi stated that this initiative was discussed at the Executive Committee of the National Cost of Living Action Council’s (NACCOL) second meeting of the year, which he chaired today.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, several working papers were reviewed during the meeting, including a proposal for collaboration on the implementation of the TVET Tahfiz Programme. This collaboration will involve the Department of Polytechnic Education and Community Colleges, Ministry of Higher Education (JPPKK, KPT), and the Department of Skills Development, Ministry of Human Resources (JPK, KESUMA), aiming to empower community talent. The effort seeks to add value to the programme through certification recognition in collaboration with JPK, KESUMA, and the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA), thereby enhancing the employability of tahfiz students and increasing their income to address the cost of living.
Additionally, Ahmad Zahid mentioned that the meeting reviewed proposals to tackle issues concerning additional schooling costs from the Ministry of Education (MOE), such as the annual rise in Parent-Teacher Association (PIBG) fees and school bus fares. MOE has been requested to re-examine expenses related to sports and uniformed activities, and the ministry plans to engage with state governments to provide free bus services for low-income groups.
The meeting also included a briefing on the findings of the 2023/2024 Household Income and Expenditure Survey by the Department of Statistics Malaysia. The survey highlighted that increased income and changing lifestyles are influencing household spending patterns in Malaysia, with a shift from basic necessities to services and non-essential goods.
Ahmad Zahid expressed confidence that the outcomes of the meeting demonstrate the government’s commitment to implementing initiatives aimed at addressing the cost of living. These initiatives include income-raising efforts, discount sale programmes, and cash assistance.
Attendees at the meeting included Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali and his deputy, Datuk Dr Fuziah Salleh, along with senior ministry officials, state government representatives, corporate bodies, non-governmental organisations, industry players, and consumer representatives.