JOHOR BARU: Johor is poised to become Malaysia's first state to implement premium salary packages for skilled workers trained under its Talent Development Council (JTDC).
This initiative aims to attract and retain skilled talent with competitive salaries ranging from RM4,000 to RM5,000, particularly targeting graduates of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions.
The JTDC, a pioneering effort in Malaysia, will coordinate strategies to develop talent and ensure that skilled workers receive salaries comparable to those in Singapore, especially in 10 key sectors within the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ).
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi announced the establishment of the JTDC during its launch and the Johor Career Carnival at the Persada Johor International Convention Centre.
Emphasising the importance of this initiative, he said, "We recognise the fierce competition for retaining skilled workers, particularly given Singapore's higher minimum wage after conversion.
"Johor is addressing this challenge by establishing a premium minimum salary of RM4,000 for diploma holders and RM5,000 for those with equivalent degree qualifications."
Zahid said that the Malaysian Skills Certificates (SKM) levels 1 and 2 were equivalent to SPM, while SKM levels 3, 4, and 5 correspond to a diploma.
SKM level 6 equates to a degree, level 7 to a master's, and level 8 to a PhD.
He said that Malaysia's minimum wage was RM1,700, while Singapore's stood at SD$1,500, which translates to about RM5,210.
"To prevent talents from seeking employment abroad, it is crucial to offer competitive wages. By introducing premium salaries, Johor aims to enhance local job opportunities, ensuring they remain attractive to skilled workers and graduates from over 220 TVET institutions in the state," he added.
Meanwhile, Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi said that under the JTDC, the state would focus on producing skilled workers based on demand, coordinating all courses and training initiatives accordingly.
This effort is expected to bolster Johor's appeal within the JS-SEZ, which continues to attract both domestic and international investments.
The three-day career carnival, organised by the Human Resources Ministry through the Social Security Organisation (Perkeso), commenced on Friday, featuring 116 companies offering 15,000 job opportunities.