Malaysia continues to record a significant mismatch between the number of jobseekers and available positions, based on updates shared in the Dewan Rakyat by Deputy Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Mohamad. As of 14 November 2025, the MYFutureJobs portal showed 108,826 active job listings, while 464,534 active jobseekers were registered on the same platform. The gap highlights ongoing challenges in matching job demand with job readiness, particularly in sectors requiring specialised skills.

Job Vacancies And Jobseekers On MYFutureJobs

From January to 14 November this year, the portal recorded 100,882 advertised vacancies. This sits against the larger pool of jobseekers who continue to search for opportunities across various industries. Abdul Rahman noted that cumulative vacancies advertised between January and 30 September 2025 totalled 1.1 million, compared with 1.5 million vacancies posted throughout 2024.

These figures point to fluctuations in job creation across the past few years, with certain sectors maintaining steady demand despite slower growth in others.

Sectors Offering The Most Job Opportunities

The information and communications sector recorded the highest number of vacancies with 55,269 positions this year. Administrative and support services followed with 34,391 vacancies, while manufacturing contributed 33,866 openings. Professional, scientific and technical activities added 24,849 positions, and financial and insurance activities posted 21,459 vacancies.

These sectors continue to play a central role in Malaysia’s labour market, particularly as the economy becomes more digital, service-oriented, and technology driven.

Strong Demand For Roles With Salaries Above RM3,000

A key focus in Parliament was the availability of higher-paying jobs. Abdul Rahman confirmed that 247,889 vacancies in 2025 offer salaries of RM3,000 and above, compared with 339,916 such positions in 2024. These roles exceed the 2023 national median wage of RM2,600.

He also highlighted several categories of high-paying roles, including cloud application consultants, SQL database developers, merchant wholesalers, supply chain procurement specialists, and software consultants. These roles reflect the growing need for digital, technical, and analytical skills that align with current industry requirements.

Concerns About Job-Hopping And Labour Shortages

During the session, Shah Alam MP Azli Yusof raised concerns about job-hopping among workers who seek higher-paying opportunities. He noted that frequent movement between employers can create instability in industries already experiencing manpower shortages and may increase reliance on foreign labour.

Abdul Rahman said the government is aware of these challenges and has introduced several mitigation and capacity-building measures to strengthen workforce stability and improve job matching outcomes.

Government Initiatives To Strengthen The Workforce

According to the Deputy Minister, the Human Resources Ministry continues to emphasise income improvement through platforms such as TalentCorp and HRD Corp. Efforts include strengthening the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) core curriculum in collaboration with high-technology and medical industry partners. These initiatives aim to ensure that upskilling and reskilling programmes remain relevant to current and emerging industry needs.

The ministry also views the progressive wage policy as an important driver of wage growth and productivity. Although legislation related to the progressive wage policy has been introduced, its full implementation will depend on phased rollouts announced through official gazettes. The policy is intended to stimulate investment, improve productivity, and reduce reliance on foreign workers over time.

Addressing Skills Gaps And Improving Job Matching

Despite more than 1.1 million vacancies advertised on MYFutureJobs, Abdul Rahman acknowledged that actual job-matching rates remain lower than expected. He attributed this to skills gaps and job readiness challenges among jobseekers, despite improved access to digital listings.

The ministry aims to address these issues through continuous training and targeted support programmes that connect Malaysians to sectors where vacancies remain high.

Preparing Malaysia’s Labour Market For The Years Ahead

As Malaysia enters a more digitally driven economic landscape, the demand for skilled talent is expected to remain strong. Sectors such as information and communications, manufacturing, and professional services continue to generate opportunities for jobseekers with the right training and qualifications.

Government initiatives through MYFutureJobs, TalentCorp, HRD Corp, and TVET partners are designed to strengthen the talent pipeline, reduce dependence on foreign labour, and prepare Malaysians to meet industry needs more effectively.

Malaysia’s labour market trends show both opportunities and challenges. With continued investment in skills development and targeted placement efforts, the country aims to bridge the gap between jobseekers and the growing demand for skilled roles.

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