KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 9 — The government has allocated RM8 billion for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) across ministries under Budget 2027 to enhance the skills and employability of young people.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the government was also targeting 30,000 new job opportunities through the BAKAT Madani initiative next year, including through the participation of private companies.

He said the initiative was launched following the commitment of six government-linked investment companies (GLICs), Petronas and the network of government-linked companies (GLCs) to provide training and quality job opportunities for 25,000 youths.

“To encourage greater participation by private companies, tax deductions will be granted to companies implementing BAKAT Madani training programmes from June 29, 2026 to December 31, 2030,” he said when tabling Budget 2027 in the Dewan Rakyat today.

Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, said that under the overall skills development initiative, HRD Corp, with an allocation of RM3 billion, would offer three million skills training opportunities, including for continuing professional development among professionals.

He said the Skills Development Fund Corporation (PTPK) had allocated RM500 million to finance trainees enrolled in skills training programmes at public and private skills training institutes registered with the corporation.

In addition, Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) would train and place 1,000 Bumiputera youths in high-growth sectors, while trainees skilled in electrical wiring at GIATMARA would help repair the wiring in 20,000 homes belonging to poor families.

The Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) would train 10,000 youths in robotics and digital technology to create career opportunities and reduce dependence on foreign labour.

Anwar said ADTEC JTM would provide graduates with a pathway to high-skilled automotive careers through the Advanced Automotive Technology programme, while community colleges would continue to offer short courses to tahfiz students as a pathway to employment, entrepreneurship and higher education.

Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) personnel of other ranks who have completed their service will also be provided with skills training through collaborations with institutions such as the Universiti Kuala Lumpur Malaysian Institute of Aviation Technology (UniKL MIAT) and Akademi Laut Malaysia (ALAM).

Meanwhile, he said the government had increased the allocation for the Malaysian Indian Transformation Unit (MITRA) to RM150 million, prioritising training and employment opportunities for Indian youths in fields such as industrial automation, technology and aircraft maintenance. — Bernama