SHAH ALAM, Oct 6 — The state government aims to reduce Selangor’s unemployment rate to 1.5 per cent by implementing career fairs.
State executive councillor for human resources and poverty eradication Papparaidu Veraman said the target is based on the downward trend recorded since the Covid-19 pandemic, with a yearly decrease of 0.1 per cent.
“We have seen a downward trend since the Covid-19 pandemic. At the time, the unemployment rate was 3.9 per cent, and it has now decreased to 1.9 per cent.
“This represents a reduction from 112,000 unemployed individuals to 88,000 today. We are confident the figure will continue to drop in the future, possibly reaching around 50,000.
“This is our target to further reduce unemployment and poverty rates," he said during the Special Jobcare Career Carnival today.
Papparaidu added that while achieving a zero unemployment rate is impossible, it is the state government's responsibility to create job opportunities with high salaries.
The carnival was held at the Shah Alam City Council (MBSA) Convention Centre, featuring over 40 employers targeting disabled persons, former convicts, and senior citizens.
He said it offers disabled persons the opportunity to secure employment based on their respective abilities.
"This group consists of people of various categories and abilities. That is why we introduced this platform, to offer them the chance at working.
"Beyond that, former prisoners are also not neglected and are given the opportunity to rebuild their lives," Papparaidu said.
He noted that the carnival offered 6,000 job vacancies with salaries exceeding RM2,500.
“40 employers are participating in this carnival, offering higher salaries across various sectors, including logistics and shipping, with 75 per cent of the employers operating within Selangor.
“This aligns with our target, which is not only to provide employment opportunities but also to ensure that people enjoy higher wages, thereby improving their standard of living,” Papparaidu said.
Meanwhile, the councillor said that his office will now focus on creating job opportunities in the semiconductor industry, particularly in integrated circuit (IC) design development.
“We will focus on this industry and collaborate with the state executive councillor for investment, trade, and mobility Ng Sze Han to provide opportunities for Malaysians, especially in Selangor.
“With these opportunities, apart from offering better jobs and salaries exceeding RM8,000, we can also reduce dependence on other countries like Singapore,” he said.
The Special Jobcare Career Carnival is jointly organised by the Selangor Social Security Organisation (Socso) in collaboration with MYFutureJobs.
