Anwar, who is also finance minister, acknowledged that this was not mandatory but said sufficient allowances would ensure students could cover their daily expenses throughout their internship.

“On behalf of undergraduates, I want to convey their complaints and call on (companies) to consider giving them allowances. Give a reasonable allowance to our students because they have to factor in their transport fares and food expenses.

“I hope they would consider raising the allowances slightly, because I will not set a clear policy since these are internship programmes and cannot be forced,” he said at an event at the Securities Commission’s headquarters here.

Previously, Anwar said he was willing to study any proposals for a law to protect the welfare of interns.

Yesterday, human resources minister V Sivakumar said his ministry will look into the issue of allowances for students undergoing industrial training following reports that certain interns were not getting allowances.

Last week, Muda affiliate Ikatan Mahasiswa Demokratik Malaysia announced that it will be embarking on a campaign to demand “dignified wages” for interns.

The group had also urged past interns to share their experiences with them on undergoing practical training or internships without allowances.

Meanwhile, Anwar said the Capital Market Graduate Programme (CMGP) will benefit 9,000 students in the capital market industry with 600 people guaranteed employment in the sector within three years.

“By providing opportunities to develop skills and knowledge in the capital market industry to young graduates, this programme seeks to build a solid foundation for Malaysia’s future economic growth.”