KUALA LUMPUR (Aug 24): There is a need to increase local workforce in the construction industry to increase job opportunities for locals and reduce dependency on foreign workers, said Deputy Human Resource Minister Mustapha Sakmud.

In his address at the opening ceremony of the Master Builders Association Malaysia (MBAM) Human Resources Conference 2023 with the theme “Investment in Human Capital” at Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club, Kuala Lumpur, on Thursday (Aug 24) morning, Mustapha said as Malaysia is a country that prioritises economic progress, it is necessary to emphasise the provision of more local workers in the construction industry.

“This step not only provides employment opportunities for our local people, but also helps reduce dependency on foreign workers. In this context, initiatives to improve the skills of local workers become critical to meet the needs of the industry while providing opportunities for local people, including the youth, through Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) to grow in this field,” he said.

MBAM President Oliver Wee in his opening speech said many Malaysian youths are still hesitant in pursuing a career in the construction industry till this day. “Construction jobs,  which are often known as 3D — dirty, dangerous and difficult — have forced the youth to opt for more intellectually demanding careers or those that are seen as more white-collar.

“Construction works which are still subjected to a deeply ingrained stereotype accompanied by issues such as forced labour have made it a non-viable career option. However, we acknowledge the Ministry of Human Resources’ efforts in combating the issues of forced labour through the ratification of the Protocol of 2014 to the Forced Labour Convention and the adoption of the National Action Plan on Forced Labour (2021-2025).”

Wee added that TVET programmes are designed to bridge the gap between academic learning and practical application, and the success of TVET in producing job-ready professionals in the construction sector hinges on the collaboration between educational institutions and construction industry players.

During the press conference, Mustapha noted that the government is targeting to produce 35% of the skilled workforce in the economy from the current 28% through efforts such as TVET programmes. “We hope more youths will register with TVET institutes near them. The employability for TVET graduates is very high, around 95% will find employment.”

MBAM Secretary General Datuk Astaman Abdul Aziz added that a Government-Industry TVET Coordination body has also been set up as a company limited by guarantee to narrow the mismatched skills gap between the demand and supply of the country's workforce.

Meanwhile, the one-day conference will feature topics on mental health in construction, issues and challenges on workforce recalibration programme, claiming and utilisation of contribution by the construction industry, direction of TVET in construction, TVET in Malaysia and interview skills for HR.

“Through this conference we’ll be able to enhance the awareness of construction industry players on the latest government policies as well as on the current issues related to the management of human resources in the construction industry, namely managing the foreign workers and attracting new working generation to the construction industry through TVET,” Wee said.