KUALA LUMPUR: The plumbing industry for new buildings in the country is valued at about RM3bil to RM5bil annually, yet the sector has long been overlooked, says Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.
The TARC Education Foundation board of trustees chairman said this figure does not include the additional work in repair, maintenance and refurbishment.
“The scale of this industry underscores the vital role that plumbing plays in our infrastructure and economy,” said Dr Wee at the launch of the country’s first “Industry for Industry” Plumbing Technology course at VTAR Institute here yesterday.
He said the course is a crucial collaboration between VTAR, the Master Plumbers Association Malaysia (MPAM), and key industry players, including manufacturers and suppliers.
“It addresses a pressing need in our country for skilled plumbers and comprehensive plumbing training programmes,” he added.
Dr Wee, who is also the MCA president, said the nation faces a dual challenge: a significant shortage of plumbing courses and an alarming skills mismatch in the broader workforce.
“Apart from Akademi Binaan Malaysia, which offers plumbing licences such as A1 and A2, there are very few TVET academies that provide in-depth plumbing training.
Particular set of skills: (From third left) Cheng Liang, VTAR chairman Soon Mon Huay, Dr Wee, Siew Kheng and MPAM honorary secretary Yeaw Seng Kok at the launch of the Plumbing Technology course. — ONG SOON HIN/The Star
“This lack of training options directly contributes to a shortage of skilled plumbers – a situation exacerbated by our reliance on foreign workers,” he said.
He added that as of 2023, there were over 200,000 unemployed university graduates in Malaysia.
“This disparity is largely due to a mismatch between the skills these graduates possess and the requirements of the industry. This disconnect highlights the urgent need for education and training programmes that align closely with market needs,” he said.
He said the new collaboration between VTAR and MPAM aims to address both these issues.
“By establishing this Plumbing Technology course, we are not only filling a critical gap in vocational training but also ensuring that our graduates are equipped with the practical skills needed to thrive in the plumbing industry.
“As we move forward, our goal is to create a robust pipeline of skilled plumbers who are well prepared to meet industry demands and contribute to the growth of our economy,” he added.
At the event, Dr Wee also witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between VTAR Institute chief executive officer Tan Cheng Liang and MPAM president David Tan Siew Kheng.
Cheng Liang said the six-month course, slated to start by the end of October, is open to all Malaysians between the ages of 18 and 30.
“The first 20 registered students will have their tuition fees sponsored and will be provided with an allowance, accommodation, training and job opportunities by MPAM,” she said.
She added that with the country lacking talent to continue the trade, it is important to develop skilled workers so the industry can flourish.
Siew Kheng said the country needs young talent with better education to fill the gap and keep up with progress.
“Many of the local skilled workers, foremen and supervisors are now mainly in their 40s and 50s. There is a big gap with opportunities for local skilled plumbers and technicians.
“The industry is highly reliant on foreign workers. This sometimes results in poor workmanship and quality issues because of a lack of training and supervision.
“Plumbing systems also require maintenance, troubleshooting and repair. Old systems need to be refurbished or replaced. Many of our buildings are more than 30 years old and are due for refurbishment,” he added.
He expressed hope that the signing of the MOU will create more awareness of job opportunities in the plumbing industry.
“MPAM has come up with relevant course content and obtained the support of industry players to enhance the employability of graduates.
“This is an industry-for-industry effort. Industry players will conduct lectures on their products and equipment, and carry out classroom workshops and practical sessions on the proper methods to use and install their products,” he said.
He added that as a not-for-profit trade organisation, MPAM will continue to give its full support to VTAR, assisting in future sponsorships, industrial training placements, improving course content and ensuring industry relevance.
In a Facebook post uploaded after the event, Dr Wee said he had urged the VTAR board to explore the development of new programmes and collaborate with vocational colleges and universities abroad to conduct courses that introduce emerging technologies to students.
“There has been a significant demand for highly skilled technicians in fields such as electric vehicles, railways, new energy, digital technology, and agricultural industrial automation.
“This has made vocational education increasingly popular throughout the world with a rising demand for skilled workers,” he said.
He added that the government is actively promoting vocational and technical education and training programmes to churn out more high-skilled labour.
