SPM leavers encouraged to explore agriculture TVET

BANGI – Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi encourages Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) leavers to pursue Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in agriculture, saying the field offers high-income career opportunities.

He said agriculture TVET should no longer be regarded as a second or third choice, but instead become a main option in producing a skilled workforce for the nation’s agri-commodity sector.

According to Zahid, agriculture TVET graduates had the potential to earn incomes exceeding the minimum wage if they possessed skills required by the industry.

"We want not only those fortunate enough to enter universities, but also SPM leavers to be encouraged to pursue agriculture TVET, with salaries exceeding the minimum wage.

"TVET is not a second or third choice. God willing, TVET will become the main choice for the younger generation in our country,” he said when speaking at the launch of the Plantation and Commodities Agrocommodity Squad Ministry here today.

Also present were Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad and Malaysian Palm Oil Board chairman Datuk Mohamad Helmy Othman Basha.

Commenting on the Agrocommodity Squad, Zahid, who is also Rural and Regional Development Minister, said its establishment represented a new approach to strengthening advocacy for the sector, particularly at the grassroots level.

"This squad is expected not only to deliver messages and distribute pamphlets, but also to go down to the grassroots to elevate the dignity of those involved in the agriculture and commodities sector.

“This is important as a highly significant advocacy effort to change perceptions and convince the people that the agri-commodity sector is a modern, dignified and high-value sector,” he said.

Zahid said it was important to strengthen grassroots networks linking government policies with the realities faced by smallholders, entrepreneurs and rural communities.

He stressed that the nation’s commodities sector, encompassing rubber, cocoa, pepper, kenaf and timber, held vast potential for further development.

Recognising the need, Zahid said the Agrocommodity Squad would be mobilised in stages across every parliamentary constituency with active participation from youths, including students at higher learning institutions (IPTs).

The Agrocommodity Squad is a volunteer and talent development platform connecting youths, smallholders, TVET institutions, IPTs and industry players to empower the nation’s agri-commodity sector. 

Among the squad’s key roles are serving as agents of digital transformation by introducing new technologies, acting as sustainability ambassadors to explain Malaysia’s commitment to sustainable practices, and assisting smallholders in producing high-value downstream products. – BERNAMA