SHAH ALAM, April 16 — Workers are advised to remain in their current employment and avoid making sudden career changes as uncertainties continue to loom over the job market amid global economic headwinds.
State executive councillor for human resources and poverty eradication Papparaidu Veraman said employees should exercise caution in making career moves and closely monitor economic developments.
“Whatever job you currently have, please hold on to it for now. There are a lot of uncertainties surrounding the job market, and there are speculations that the economy is going to be soft (in the near future),” he told Media Selangor.
Papparaidu was commenting on Hong Leong Investment Bank’s report, citing the Social Security Organisation (SOCSO), that Selangor and Kuala Lumpur continued to top the list of loss of employment (LOE) cases in March.
It said that Selangor accounted for 29.3 per cent of total LOE cases, followed by Kuala Lumpur at 25.6 per cent. Malaysia recorded 5,900 job losses in March, down 21.3 per cent from 7,500 in February.
To enhance employability, he urged students and young job seekers to gain additional skills and certifications.
“Even if you complete your degree, skills will still play a major role in your future in Malaysia. Please take additional courses and obtain certificates to add to your resume.
“That will strengthen your prospects when attending interviews in the future,” Papparaidu said.
The councillor added that Malaysia should reassess its economic strategy to ensure long-term stability amid global uncertainties stemming from the conflict in West Asia.
“It is time for us to rethink how we can utilise our resources such as hydroelectric energy, solar energy and other alternatives,” he said.
Diversifying export markets could also help strengthen the country’s economic resilience.
Meanwhile, Papparaidu said Selangor will continue efforts to attract investors and expand high-skilled industries to create more sustainable job opportunities in the state.
“We are working to bring more companies to Selangor, including in industries such as integrated circuit design and other high-skilled sectors,” he said.
