MELAKA, Aug 15 (Bernama) -- The Ministry of Human Resources (KESUMA) is seeking feedback and views from other ministries on its proposal to convert Skills Development Fund Corporation (PTPK) financing from loans to grants.
Minister Datuk Seri R Ramanan said the views gathered would be presented to the Cabinet soon for consideration.
“The funds received by PTPK amount to RM100 million, but the condition is that they are provided as loans. Regardless of whether the allocation is used as grants or loans, we need Cabinet approval.
“We have prepared the first paper, but there are improvements and explanations that need to be addressed before the proposal is brought to the Cabinet for consideration,” he told reporters here today.
He said this after a dialogue session held in conjunction with the MYFutureJobs Lindung Kerjaya Carnival, which was also attended by Social Security Organisation (Perkeso) board chairman Datuk Seri Subahan Kamal and group chief executive officer Datuk Seri Dr Mohammed Azman Aziz Mohammed.
Ramanan said the initiative was aimed at easing the financial burden faced by students pursuing Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes after completing their studies.
Last month, it was reported that KESUMA planned to propose converting PTPK financing into grants instead of the current loan-based system, subject to Cabinet approval.
Earlier at the programme, Ramanan said KESUMA, through Perkeso, had introduced MYFutureJobs Ambassador among higher education institution (IPT) students to increase awareness of career opportunities and MYFutureJobs services within campus communities.
He said the ambassadors would help disseminate information on job opportunities, career development and MYFutureJobs services to their peers in a more direct and effective manner.
Ramanan added that Oyen MYFutureJobs was also introduced as the official MYFutureJobs mascot to strengthen engagement with youths, particularly IPT students, while making the initiative more approachable to the public.
Meanwhile, he said the career carnival by Perkeso reflected the MADANI government’s commitment to building a dynamic, inclusive and resilient labour market by ensuring Malaysians not only have access to employment but also receive career development support.
-- BERNAMA