KUANTAN: The government’s efforts to empower Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) to enable graduates of such courses to be paid at least RM2,500 to RM3,000 per month have been described as an appropriate move to tackle the cost of living issue.

Kolej Kemahiran Tinggi MARA (KKTM) Kemaman student in Terengganu, Muhammad Amir Bubriz Hairul Anuar, 23, said this level of starting salary was more decent than the RM1,500 to RM1,800 pay received by his seniors in college who have started working.

“The cost of living has been increasing, especially for those working out of state. They have to spend on room rental, transport, food and so on every month. A salary of RM2,000 and above will give them some breathing space.

“As the eldest in the family, I want to help cover the family expenditure when I start working as I have two brothers who are still schooling,” he told Bernama here.

The final year student pursuing a Diploma in Plant Engineering Technology (Offshore Structure) was among thousands of TVET students who attended a dialogue with the prime minister at the “Program Temu Anwar” at KKTM here yesterday.

The prime minister said the government was targeting a higher starting salary of RM2,500 to RM3,000, and this can be achieved by empowering TVET programmes.

A first semester student of Diploma in Automotive Manufacturing Engineering at KKTM Kuantan, Muhammad Ahza Sahil Muttadin, 18, said strengthening the TVET field would make parents more confident to send their children for TVET courses.

The Kemaman-born Muhammad Ahza said TVET graduates deserved to be better paid as everyone had their own interest and inclination to excel in their chosen fields.

“Empowering TVET education is a win-win situation for all. Companies can look forward to getting workers with better skills and they will only pay according to what employees can offer (skill set),” he added.

Muhammad Ahza Sahil said TVET graduates are also skilled workers who contribute to the country’s economic growth. – BERNAMA