Malaysian Youths Urged to Participate in Agriculture TVET Programmes

Strategic Insights -

Malaysian youths have been encouraged to take advantage of free education in modern agriculture offered by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (MAFS). The Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in agriculture provides broad career opportunities and is essential for ensuring the nation's food security. Currently, 16 accredited centres under MAFS offer free TVET in agriculture programmes, with the government fully covering tuition fees, accommodation, and necessary equipment. The programmes are open to Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) holders aged 18 to 25, training them in various skill areas such as crop cultivation, ruminant farming, and freshwater aquaculture.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (MAFS) offers free education in modern agriculture through its Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programme, which creates broad career opportunities.
  • 16 accredited centres under MAFS currently offer free TVET in agriculture programmes, including the Kolej Pertanian Malaysia, Kedah; the Institut Latihan Mekanisasi dan Automasi Peladang (ILMAP) in Kelantan, and the Institut Veterinar Malaysia in Johor.
  • Students pursuing skills certificate-level programmes receive a monthly allowance of RM200 and have their food, beverages, accommodation, and necessary equipment fully covered by the government.
  • The TVET in agriculture programme is open to Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) holders aged 18 to 25, training them in various skill areas such as crop cultivation, ruminant farming, rice production, and freshwater aquaculture.
  • The curriculum is reviewed and updated every five years or sooner, if necessary, to ensure relevance and alignment with industry demands.
  • The employability rate of agricultural TVET graduates from institutes and training centres under MAFS rose to 78.1 per cent in 2023, up from 72.3 percent in 2022.
  • The government aims to have more than 80 percent of agricultural TVET graduates employed.

Statistics:

  • 16 accredited centres under MAFS currently offer free TVET in agriculture programmes.
  • Students pursuing skills certificate-level programmes receive a monthly allowance of RM200.
  • The employability rate of agricultural TVET graduates from institutes and training centres under MAFS rose to 78.1 per cent in 2023, up from 72.3 percent in 2022.
  • 448 graduates received certificates and diplomas, including the Malaysian Skills Diploma (DKM), Malaysian Skills Certificate (SKM), Agricultural Certificate, Malaysian Veterinary Health Certificate, and Fisheries Certificate at the MAFS' 13th Agricultural Convocation.

Sources:

  • BERNAMA News Agency (24 May 2025)
  • BERNAMA News Agency (24 May 2025) - Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu's speech at the MAFS' 13th Agricultural Convocation