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KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia: Retrenchments could be tapering off as fewer companies were reporting intentions to lay off workers.
Human Resources Minister Datuk Dr S. Subramaniam was, however, unsure if this was temporary or a good sign that the worst in the global economic downturn was over.
Subramaniam shared this with NST online readers in the first NSTLive session with a minister.
NSTLive is an interactive blog which allows "live" reporting, as well as comments from readers.
NSTLive was a hit during the Umno general assembly and the by-elections of Kuala Terengganu, Bukit Gantang, Bukit Selambau and Batang Ai.
Subramaniam spent an hour replying to 25 of 71 questions posted by more than 50 people.
He also had advice for job-seekers and the retrenched on where they could seek help.
To a question, he said the Labour Department had found jobs for 5,000 of the 30,000 workers who were retrenched.
"Overall, we are happy jobs are being created. Amid the economic downturn, there are 28,000 vacancies in various sectors. If people are not too picky, they should be able to get jobs.
"Graduates should not be pessimistic. Some may face difficulty getting a good job. It is basically how you sharpen your skills, including communication and linguistic skills, as there are job opportunities out there."
He said the ministry had introduced many programmes for graduates to be employable. Bank Negara, Khazanah Nasional and the Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry also had their own programmes.
"Government-linked companies also have programmes to absorb people."
He told NSTLive visitors that the ministry planned to have job placement centres in 109 locations nationwide, including at shopping complexes and bus terminals.
Dr Subramaniam assured Malaysians that the economy was not deteriorating.
"The second half of this year may see some recovery. Most say that we may be going back to normal by the middle of next year.
"The situation in Malaysia is not bad and the programmes implemented seem to be producing results."
He assured Malaysians that the government was committed to reducing, and if possible abolishing, outsourcing agencies because they were the main culprits in the over-supply of foreign labour.
"We want to have a system where supply of labour will be based on demand." -NST
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