PUTRAJAYA: The National Technical and Vocational Education and Training Council (MTVET) today has agreed to set the premium salary for TVET graduates above the minimum wage, between RM2,500 to RM4,000.
At present, the minimum wage set by the government is RM1,500.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the decision was aimed to attract more TVET graduates to work in related sectors.
"I wish to clarify that this (premium salary) is not based on employers' associations or factory associations.
"It (the decision on the premium salary) is between the TVET institutions and the companies themselves," he told reporters at the 3rd MTVET meeting and engagement session between 66 government-linked companies and private companies with 12 TVET ministries today.
He said the matter was agreed upon during the meeting today, which was attended by representatives from the government-linked companies, government-linked investment companies and private sector
On a related matter, Zahid said there has been a significant increase in offers to TVET institutions, with a rise of 163 per cent compared to last year.
"Although this increase is substantial, the meeting today decided that the dissemination of information about the courses offered to prospective TVET participants should be done not only through social media but also through mainstream media.
"This is because it was found that many individuals have SPM qualifications but do not meet the three-credit requirement, which prevents them from pursuing further education.
"However, they can participate in the TVET courses we have tailored to meet the needs of employers," he said.