Skilled worker shortage in Malaysia as graduates settle for semi-skilled jobs
The long period required to gain recognition for highly skilled jobs from certain bodies also causes many graduates to opt for other semi-skilled jobs that save time and offer better income.
SHAH ALAM - The allure of higher salaries and flexible working hours is pushing many highly skilled workers in Malaysia towards semi-skilled jobs and underemployment
Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia senior lecturer in Economics and Banking Dr Mohd Faisol Ibrahim said this particular situation indirectly resulted in the high-level skills acquired not being fully utilised in the relevant industries.
"The long period required to gain recognition for highly skilled jobs from certain bodies also causes many graduates to opt for other semi-skilled jobs that save time and offer better income.
"The limited job opportunities in high-skilled fields have led to intense competition, leaving no choice but to transition to semi-skilled employment," he said.
Commenting further, Faisol identified several critical sectors currently suffering from a shortage of skilled graduates, including architecture, medicine, engineering, statistics, data analysis and various technology-related fields in Malaysia.
"Malaysia will face a worsening shortage of skilled workers in specific fields. If left unaddressed, the country will have to import workers from abroad, which would be a major loss," he said.
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