Malaysian industries need 33 pct skilled workers by 2015

JOHOR BAHARU, (Johor, Malaysia) July 5 (Bernama) -- Malaysia requires at least 33 per cent of highly skilled workers in the industrial sector by 2015 and increasing to 50 per cent to accommodate national manpower needs by 2020. Public Works Ministry secretary-general Himmat Singh said the sector is still facing an influx of foreign workers leading to muted response of local youths to vocational training. He said with better skills and modern technology, the industrial sector could attract more local youths to drive the nation's development. "The government is actively promoting vocational skills as an attractive stream for youths," he said at the opening of the 21st Malaysian Skills Competition final at Johor Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) complex here on Thursday. -- BERNAMA