SPM Leavers Encouraged To Pursue TVET In Agriculture - Ahmad Zahid

BANGI, May 7 (Bernama) -- Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has encouraged Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) leavers to pursue Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in agriculture, which can open up high-income career opportunities for them.

He said the field should no longer be regarded as a second or third choice but rather be made a primary option for producing a skilled workforce for the nation’s agri-commodity sector.

According to Ahmad Zahid, agriculture TVET graduates have the potential to earn incomes exceeding the minimum wage if they possess the skills required by the industry.

“We want not only those fortunate enough to enter universities, but also SPM leavers to be encouraged to pursue agriculture TVET, with salaries exceeding the minimum wage.

“TVET is not a second or third choice. God willing, TVET will become the main choice for the younger generation in our country,” he said when speaking at the launch of the Ministry of Plantation and Commodities Agrocommodity Squad here today.

Also present were Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad and Malaysian Palm Oil Board chairman Datuk Mohamad Helmy Othman Basha.

Commenting on the Agrocommodity Squad, Ahmad Zahid, who is also Rural and Regional Development Minister, said its establishment represented a new approach to strengthening advocacy for the sector, particularly at the grassroots level.

“This squad is expected not only to deliver messages and distribute pamphlets, but also to go down to the grassroots to elevate the dignity of those involved in the agriculture and commodities sector. This is important as a highly significant advocacy effort to change perceptions and convince the people that the agri-commodity sector is a modern, dignified and high-value sector,” he said.

Ahmad Zahid said it was important to strengthen grassroots networks linking government policies with the realities faced by smallholders, entrepreneurs and rural communities.

He stressed that the nation’s commodities sector, encompassing rubber, cocoa, pepper, kenaf and timber, held vast potential for further development.

Recognising the need, Ahmad Zahid said the Agrocommodity Squad would be mobilised in stages across every parliamentary constituency with active participation from youths, including students at higher learning institutions (IPTs).

The Agrocommodity Squad is a volunteer and talent development platform connecting youths, smallholders, TVET institutions, IPTs and industry players to empower the nation’s agri-commodity sector.

Among the squad’s key roles are serving as agents of digital transformation by introducing new technologies, acting as sustainability ambassadors to explain Malaysia’s commitment to sustainable practices, and assisting smallholders in producing high-value downstream products.

-- BERNAMA