KUALA LUMPUR, July 24 — Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said those holding certificates and diplomas from the Skills Development Department (JPK) may apply for public service positions.
He said claims suggesting diploma programmes in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) are not recognised by the Public Service Department (JPA) must cease.
“I hope for such speculation not to be exaggerated to avoid public misunderstanding. The TVET field has significant potential, as evidenced by the increase in graduate marketability from 92.5 per cent in 2022 to 94.5 per cent in 2023, demonstrating high industry acceptance and recognition,” he said in a statement yesterday.
Previously, there were claims that the TVET diploma issued by JPK, under the Human Resources Ministry, was not recognised by the JPA for public service roles.
Zahid said TVET programmes are generally conducted by institutions accredited by two primary bodies — the Malaysian Qualifications Agency and JPK — based on the Malaysian Qualifications Framework.
“The skills issued by JPK comprises the Malaysian Skills Certificate for Levels 1 through 3, the Malaysian Skills Diploma for Level 4, and the Malaysian Advanced Skills Diploma for Level 5.
“This certification is based on the job competencies and skills required by the industry, as outlined in the Malaysian Occupational Skills Standard or the National Occupational Skills Standard,” he said.
He said according to Service Circular No. 1 of 2016 — Rationalisation of Service Schemes for the Federal Public Service Under the Malaysian Remuneration System issued by the JPA, 66 service schemes at Grade 19 and two service schemes at grade 29 require Malaysian Skills Certification as an application criterion.
Zahid said JPK will consult with the JPA periodically over whether other government sector positions require Malaysian Skills Certification.
He said this is to create more opportunities for TVET graduates of the Malaysian Skills Certification system to serve in the government sector, thereby improving the quality of public service.
“This is the government’s effort to create high-impact employment opportunities in line with the needs of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, climate change, sustainability practices, demographic shifts, and the globalisation of value chains, which are reshaping the nature of jobs and increasing the need for skilled workers,” he said.
— Bernama
