KUALA LUMPUR: The Jana Graduan Hijau (Jaguh) programme, an initiative to facilitate participation in green entrepreneurship among graduates, will be launched in January.
Environment and Water Minister Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man said the programme's module development was ongoing, with strategic partners and application for government and private funds being identified.
He said the programme would involve youths who had yet to secure a job after six months of graduation.
"The ministry is targeting 100 graduates from public and private universities to enrol in Jaguh's first intake, expected to take place in March 2021.
"Eligible graduates will undergo a six-month Jaguh programme and the ministry, through the Malaysian Green Technology Corporation (MGTC), is planning to establish cooperation with the relevant ministries for each stream," he said in reply to a question from Shaharizukirnain Abd Kadir (Pas-Setiu) at the Dewan Rakyat today.
Tuan Ibrahim said an estimated RM1.95 million would be allocated for the first batch of Jaguh Pengurusan Tenaga stream (Energy Management), while Jaguh Produk Hijau (Green Products) and Jaguh Pertanian Bandar (Urban Farming) streams would receive allocations of RM1.75 million and RM1.85 million, respectively.
To a supplementary question from Shaharizukirnain, he said Jaguh was aimed at helping young graduates to be more independent by generating income through entrepreneurship in the green industry.
He said the programme was developed in tandem with the green technology industry based on the Green Technology Master Plan 2017-2030 (GTMP).
Among the fields that have been identified were among others energy audit, energy management consultation and green lifestyle; and recycling service.