KUALA LUMPUR: Experts urge the government to introduce a 'minimum graduate wage policy' to address the job market mismatch facing graduates.
Malaysian Inclusive Development and Advancement Institute Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (Minda UKM) associate fellow Dr Anuar Ahmad said that establishing such a minimum wage would enable clear monitoring in the private sector.
"The public sector already implements clear grade-based salary structures, but we hope the private sector will introduce a minimum wage for graduates.
"This would provide a guideline for job seekers, helping them understand the minimum amount they will earn.
"If employers want to offer more, that's excellent, but a baseline figure is essential," he told BH today.
Previously, the Statistics Department Malaysia (DOSM) reported that the number of underemployed individuals with skills-related challenges increased by 1.4 per cent to 1.95 million people in the third quarter of 2024, compared to the same period last year.
Chief statistician Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin said the statistic reveals over one-third of the working population with tertiary education work in semi-skilled or low-skilled job categories.
Anuar suggested that universities should equip graduates with multidisciplinary skills involving other competencies.
"For example, a Social Sciences graduate should also receive exposure to fields like technology or artificial intelligence (AI)," he added.