Malaysia\u2019s unemployment rate, which was recorded at 10.8% last year, was most likely due to the mismatch of skills.<\/p>\n
In a report issued by MIDF Research, it stated the figure was influenced by the soaring graduate unemployment rate which spiked to 9.6% and translated to 204,000 people \u2013 this also made up 40.5% of total unemployment.<\/p>\n
Furthermore, out of all job vacancies last year, 76% were for elementary occupation followed by 10.3% for plant and machinery operators and assemblers, based on data provided by the Department of Statistics Malaysia.<\/p>\n
Low-skill jobs made up 86.3% of job vacancies last year, while high-skill job vacancies suited for fresh graduates accounted for 4.1% of job vacancies.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, Melaka continued its seven-year streak with the lowest \u00a0youth employment rate at 2.9%, while Sabah recorded the highest of 13.5% last year.<\/p>\n
“Meanwhile, Selangor, the largest employer with 23.2% of total national employment, saw overall unemployment rate of 2.8% and youth unemployment rate of 9.4% last year.<\/p>\n
“Skills mismatch and market uncertainties remain as challenges for every economy in tackling the issue of high youth unemployment rate,” MIDF Research added.<\/p>\n
Johor, Kuala Lumpur and Kelantan also recorded lower youth unemployment rates. However, Malaysia\u2019s youth unemployment rate is considered normal compared to other countries.<\/p>\n
The overall unemployment rate remains low as it decreased by 0.3% to 3.4%, while labour force and employment increased by 9% and 2% respectively last year.<\/p>\n
The unemployment rate is also expected to fall this year to an average 3.3%.<\/p>\n