KUANTAN, Aug 2 (Bernama) -- Pahang recorded the highest labour force participation rate on the east coast at 65.3 per cent in the first quarter (Q1) of 2026, with the unemployment rate remaining low at 1.9 per cent.
Deputy Human Resources Minister Datuk Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan said various initiatives have been implemented to enable the public to access employment opportunities, including through the MYFutureJobs programme managed by the Social Security Organisation (PERKESO).
“This is an ongoing commitment by PERKESO to ensure the country’s unemployment rate can be reduced, and this is the best opportunity for young people to seize available job opportunities,” he said.
He said this at the opening of the Indera Mahkota MyFutureJobs Career Carnival 2026 here today, which is offering 6,000 job vacancies from 30 employers across various industries.
Also present was the Prime Minister's political secretary Datuk Ahmad Farhan Fauzi, who launched the Pahang-level Sahabat MADANI initiative at the event.
From 2023 to July 24, 2026, a total of 26,877 job seekers in Pahang secured employment through the MYFutureJobs platform as a result of various labour market initiatives implemented by PERKESO.
During the same period, PERKESO organised 1,277 interview programmes and career carnivals across Pahang. More than 10,000 job vacancies were also advertised through the MYFutureJobs portal, with 11,857 registered job seekers recorded in 2026.
Meanwhile, Khairul Firdaus said the ministry not only provides a platform for employment opportunities but also offers various training programmes to help workers adapt to industry needs.
He therefore encouraged workers to continue participating in the training provided to enhance their skills, personal development and work performance.
He added that the government will continue to strengthen the Sahabat MADANI initiative together with MYFutureJobs to ensure employment services are delivered closer to the people, particularly those in rural areas and hard-to-reach communities.
The initiative emphasises the spirit of togetherness, volunteerism and social responsibility among Malaysian youth, with a focus on humanity, compassion, mutual respect and inclusive community development.
Meanwhile, Ahmad Farhan, in his speech, said that Sahabat MADANI is not merely a volunteer organisation but also serves as a community movement that acts as a bridge between the government and local communities.
He expressed hope that following today’s launch, more young people, youths and Pahang residents will come forward to join the initiative, enabling the formation of a larger volunteer force to assist the community.
“The target of recruiting 2,000 Sahabat MADANI members in Pahang has been achieved. However, our work does not stop here, and I want even more young people to join Sahabat MADANI.
“Be volunteers who are always ready to help the community, while also serving as the eyes and ears of the MADANI Government on the ground and at the grassroots level in your respective areas,” he said.
-- BERNAMA