Kuala Lumpur: Industry players in the plantation and agri-commodity sectors have been urged to take an active role in ensuring that graduates of the Institute of Malaysian Plantation and Commodities (IMPAC) successfully enter the job market and gain the practical experience needed to thrive in the industry. Plantations and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani highlighted the sector's ongoing challenges, particularly its heavy reliance on foreign labour and the low participation of local workers, especially among the youth.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Johari noted that a crisis similar to the COVID-19 pandemic could result in significant financial losses for the palm oil industry, ranging from RM20 to RM30 billion due to movement restrictions impeding the entry of foreign workers. He emphasized the need for long-term solutions, referencing the efficiency of developed countries that are less dependent on foreign labour. Johari conveyed these points while addressing reporters after the 9th IMPAC Convocation Ceremony involving 458 graduates.
In the upstream palm oil industry, local workers currently constitute only 24 per cent of the workforce, with foreign workers making up the remaining 76 per cent. Johari proposed establishing an alumni network to track the employment status of IMPAC graduates, ensuring they secure relevant jobs in the industry or receive necessary support if they remain unemployed. He stated that companies seeking approval to hire foreign workers must first consider local graduates, threatening to withhold approval if local graduates are not employed.
He further emphasized that foreign workers should be limited to 3D jobs (dirty, dangerous, and difficult), while roles involving automation, artificial intelligence (AI), and mechanisation should be filled by local graduates, provided they receive the necessary training in these fields.
Earlier in his speech, Johari underscored IMPAC's crucial role in developing a skilled workforce for the agri-commodity sector by offering Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) courses that guarantee job opportunities. He highlighted the importance of human capital development for the sustainability and competitiveness of the plantation and commodity sectors. Johari advocated for responsive, inclusive, and flexible TVET education and training to produce skilled professionals and future leaders capable of driving innovation in this high-value sector.
IMPAC, an institution under the Ministry of Plantations and Commodities (KPK), is tasked with leading and overseeing skills training courses and programs across various agency-run training centres. These agencies include the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB), the Malaysian Rubber Board (LGM), the Malaysian Timber Industry Board (MTIB), the Malaysian Cocoa Board (LKM), the Malaysian Pepper Board (MPB), and the National Kenaf and Tobacco Board (LKTN).