WORKFORCE MARKETABILITY IN PAHANG ROSE IN Q2 2025 - MB

PUTRAJAYA, Nov 24 (Bernama) -- Workforce marketability in Pahang rose in the second quarter of this year to 783,600 people, compared to 768,600 people in the same period last year.

Pahang Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail said the positive achievement was no coincidence but was the result of political stability, increased productivity and governance with integrity that boosted investor confidence in the state.

Although the state government did not set a specific target for the unemployment rate, consistent decreases since last year showed the effectiveness of economic policies that directly impacted the job market, he added.

"I always emphasise that the unemployment rate can be lowered. Data from the Statistics Department show the unemployment rate in Pahang dropped from 16,700 people of 2.2 per cent last year to 14,000 people or 1.8 per cent currently.

"This is a good sign and the workforce marketability in Pahang keeps rising,” he told the media after the Career Assurance Programme Hi-Tea function here today.

Wan Rosdy said Pahang’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth was 5.7 per cent in 2024, exceeding the national rate of 5.1 per cent, with a value of RM 68.7 billion that was driven by the service sector, manufacturing, quarrying and mining as well as agriculture, and attracted investors and created more jobs.

"The investment sector also grew thanks to the political stability and unity that gave confidence to investors to invest in the state.

"This year till September, investments into Pahang totaled RM17.43 billion, exceeding this year’s target of RM14.09 billion," he said, adding that revenue collection exceeded RM1 billion for four consecutive years.

Based on the positive economic performance, Wan Rosdy said Pahang was on track to achieve the status of a high-income state.

Also, he said that the Career Assurance Programme, organised by YP Advanced Skills, proved the state government’s commitment to reducing the youth unemployment rate in Pahang.

"Its an effective and high-impact initiative, in line with the aspirations of the MADANI Government,” he said adding that more of the programme’s alumni had secured incomes exceeding the minimum wage of RM1,700, with some managing to reach a monthly income of RM31,000, proving how the programme could change the lives of participants for the better.

In other developments, Wan Rosdy said the state was prepared to face the floods, which is frequently happening in recent years.

"Even with floods, there were no loss of life last year. So this year we hope and pray that nothing untoward happens,” he added.

-- BERNAMA