Malaysian Minister, Datuk Noraini Ahmad announced that the Ministry of Higher Education (KPT) is seeking a 75 per cent marketability of graduates in the country in 2021. 

Speaking at the debate on the Supply Bill 2021 for the ministry in the Dewan Rakyat, she noted, “The target also takes into account the expected unemployment rate issued by the Department of Statistics Malaysia.” 

The percentage target is fixed, she confirmed, having considered the country’s economy after the coronavirus pandemic.

The amount was also confirmed at the committee stage through a majority voice vote. 17 MPs from the government and opposition blocs voted in favour of the funding for the Ministry of Education under Budget 2021. 

Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad (Independent-Langkawi), Dr Maszlee Malik (Independent-Simpang Renggam), Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid (BN-Padang Terap) and Teo Nie Ching (PH-Kulai) were part of the debate session. 

Members of parliament, including Shaharizukirnain Abd Kadir (PAS-Setiu), Sabri Azit (PAS-Jerai) and Datuk Mohd Fasiah Mohd Fakeh (Bersatu-Sabak Bernam) raised the issue during the debate. 

Moreover, the debate also saw Senior Education Minister Dr Mohd Radzi Md Jidin commenting on the allocations for the maintenance of schools, dilapidated schools, Supplementary Food Programme (RMT) as well as the TV Pendidikan educational programme initiative.