TVET TAHFIZ PROGRAMME TO BE STRENGTHENED THROUGH CROSS-MINISTRY COLLABORATION – DPM AHMAD ZAHID

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 22 (Bernama) -- The Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Tahfiz Programme will continue to be strengthened through collaboration with various ministries and government agencies to expand access to the programme for students from tahfiz institutions and religious schools.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the matter was among those discussed at the Executive Committee of the National Cost of Living Action Council’s (NACCOL) second meeting of the year, which he chaired today.

He said several working papers were reviewed, including the proposal for collaboration on the implementation of the TVET Tahfiz Programme between the Department of Polytechnic Education and Community Colleges, Ministry of Higher Education (JPPKK, KPT), and the Department of Skills Development, Ministry of Human Resources (JPK, KESUMA), to empower community talent.

“This effort will also add value to the programme through certification recognition in collaboration with JPK, KESUMA and the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA), which will enhance the employability of tahfiz students and increase their income in addressing the cost of living,” he said in a statement.

In addition, Ahmad Zahid said the meeting also reviewed proposals to address issues related to additional schooling costs from the Ministry of Education (MOE), such as the annual rise in Parent-Teacher Association (PIBG) fees and school bus fares.

On the matter, he said MOE had been requested to re-examine additional schooling expenses, such as costs for sports and uniformed activities, while the ministry would also hold engagement sessions with state governments to provide free bus services for low-income groups.

The meeting was also briefed on the findings of the 2023/2024 Household Income and Expenditure Survey by the Department of Statistics Malaysia, which found that increased income and changing lifestyles continued to shape household spending patterns in Malaysia, shifting from basic necessities to services and non-essential goods.

“I believe the outcomes of this meeting demonstrate the government’s commitment to implementing various initiatives in addressing the cost of living, including through income-raising efforts, discount sale programmes and cash assistance,” he said.

Also present at the meeting were Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali and his deputy, Datuk Dr Fuziah Salleh, senior ministry officials, state government representatives, corporate bodies, non-governmental organisations, industry players and consumer representatives.

-- BERNAMA