KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 2 ― Online recruitment jumped seven per cent year-on-year in September this year led by the oil and gas sector which saw a 37 per cent increase in hiring, online hiring firm Monster’s survey showed.

Strong domestic demand, in line with the positive growth forecasted by the World Bank for this year, helped boost employment, the company said in a statement.

"The steady shift from an established manufacturing base to digital technology is boosting Malaysia’s job market with new opportunities," said Sanjay Modi, Managing Director, Monster.com ― APAC and Middle East.  

"This is good news ― however to remain relevant and employable, talent at all levels must continue to upskill to meet the dynamic needs of the workforce.

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“The World Bank has raised the GDP growth forecast for Malaysia to 5.2 per cent owing to strong investments and recovery in world trade, coupled with favorable income growth that has induced consumer spending. This trend is in line with the MEI sentiment ― indicative of an increase in the employment level," he added.

Software, Hardware and Telecom roles saw the most demand for jobs in Malaysia, recording a 62 per cent year-on-year growth in online hiring, up 11 per cent from August 2016, according to occupational groups.

Inversely, sectors like retail, hospitality, advertising and media posted negative job growth.

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Online recruitment for retail dropped 22 per cent, the highest, while customer service roles remained the worst performing occupational group, reporting a sharp 50 per cent year-on-year decline.

Advertising, Market Research, Public Relations, Media and Entertainment were the third sector to register low job growth at negative 13 per cent.

The retail sector has been among the worse hit by the economic slowdown in the past two years, according data compiled by several sources.