KLUANG: Students not keen to continue their education to Form 4, can opt to take an examination to allow them to learn skills via Technical and Vocational Education And Training (TVET) programmes.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said that it was important for the government to have an ecosystem to ensure nobody drops in between the gaps when it comes to education and skills training.
"Last year we had more than 10,000 students who did not sit for their SPM examination because they have problems with reading, writing and arithmetic (3M)," he said.
Ahmad Zahid said that the new examination which would be implemented by the end of the year, would allow for students who do not want to pursue their Form 4 education to opt to enter TVET centres.
He was speaking at a major Indian gathering in conjunction with the Mahkota by-election here.
He added that the country was in need of skilled workers, especially given the huge investments coming into Malaysia.
"In Johor's special economic zone, there are more than 78,000 jobs but only 50,000 have been taken up. That means there are more than 28,000 vacancies available that need to be filled," he added.
Ahmad Zahid also reminded the Barisan Nasional candidate Syed Hussien Syed Abdullah to work hard for all races if elected.
"The next general election or the state elections is not too far. It is important to work hard to be fielded again," he said, adding that it was also important to earn and maintain the people's trust.
Meanwhile MIC president Tan Sri SA Vigneswaran in his speech said that all Indian-based parties should work together to ensure the Indian community comes out in full force to support the Barisan candidate in the upcoming by-election.
He said that it was important for the parties to work together for a triumphant victory in the polls.
He also urged the community not to listen to or believe rumours spread on social media about temples being demolished.
"We need every Indian here to get his family members to come out in full force on polling day on Sept 28," he said, urging the community not to make another mistake of voting for the wrong party.
He was speaking during a major gathering of Indians in the constituency.
There are more than 5,000 Indian voters in the Mahkota constituency.
