Malaysia Mandates TVET Training for Local Youths in Plantation Sector

Plantation and Commodities Minister Johari Abdul Ghani announced a new policy requiring plantation companies to provide Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) to local youths before hiring foreign workers. Aimed at reducing dependency on foreign labor and fostering local talent, the policy targets SPM school leavers who lack further study options. Johari emphasized the diverse opportunities within the plantation industry, including palm oil, rubber, timber, and furniture sectors.

TVET Training

Companies must train and employ local youths, or their foreign worker applications will be rejected. “If they haven’t [trained locals], I will not approve their applications for foreign workers,” Johari stated. The goal is to prepare youths for supervisory and managerial roles, with firms like Sime Darby and FGV praised for their commitment. “At the very least, we must help them develop a career. Otherwise, we’re abandoning these students,” he added. The policy supports Malaysia’s RM186 billion commodity export sector while prioritizing local workforce development.

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