Minister Idris Jusoh said the unemployment rate for those aged between 15 and 24 in Malaysia was 12.4%, compared to 14% in New Zealand, 12.5% in Australia, 13.5% in the Philippines and 19% in Indonesia.
“The rate of marketability of graduates in this country is 79.1%,” he said when replying to a supplementary question from Fong Kui Lun (DAP-Bukit Bintang).
Fong had also asked whether the courses at institutions of higher learning in the country would be revised to suit the market demand as he felt that current marketability was still unsatisfactory.
Idris said the success in marketability was achieved through the ministry’s collaboration with the industries.
This ensured there was no separation between the academia and industries, and helped generate graduates who meet the expectations of the industries, he added.
“I meet industry representatives and ask them their requirements. We have a flexible curriculum. I believe that with such close cooperation, we can enhance marketability.”