Pic: NST (Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri Richard Riot Jaem (2nd from right) with Education Minister Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh (3rd from right) attend the Technical and Vocational Educational Training (TVET) Malaysia Ministerial Coordination Committee Meeting in Cyberjaya.)

KUALA LUMPUR: Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri Richard Riot Jaem today described reports that the Technical and Vocational Educational Training (TVET) was problematic with no uniformity, as inaccurate.

He said seven ministries involved – the Human Resources, Higher Education, Education, Youth and Sports, Rural and Regional Development, Works and the Agriculture and Agro-based Ministries – had all agreed to develop a synergised programme for TVET.

Riot said this was in line with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s announcement on the implementation of TVET on Sept 27 last year and during the tabling of Budget 2018.

“This is further strengthened by the ministerial level TVET Malaysia Coordination Committee Meeting held on Jan 16, which was also attended by industry representatives,” said Riot.

“We had also agreed to implement TVET Malaysia in a more coordinated way, headed by the Human Resources Ministry.”

In a statement issued by the Human Resource Ministry today, Riot also said the allocation of RM4.9 billion through Budget 2018 proved the government’s strong commitment towards the implementation of TVET, to be utilised by the seven ministries involved.

“The Human Resources Ministry is now increasing efforts to identify issues and problems, implement programmes and initiatives and set objectives in terms of direction through the collaborative efforts between the seven ministries,” said Riot.

“This is to ensure the implementation of TVET Malaysia is in line with the domestic and international economic landscape, technological developments and requirements under the Industrial Revolution 4.0.”

Riot said, the Jan 16 meeting had also determined the need to increase skilled labour from 28 percent in 2015 to 35 percent by 2020, and consequently the need to increase the quantity and quality of TVET qualified workers to 225,000 in 2020, from 164,000 five years earlier.

He said the TVET Council, which is to be chaired by the Prime Minister, will act as the highest authority in determining the policies, implementation and coordination of TVET Malaysia.

– NST