Video: Outsourcing Deemed Excessive, Manpower Minister Says It Will Be Restricted

Manpower Minister Yassierli has confirmed the continuation of the National Internship Programme in 2026, with a quota of 150,000 participants starting on 10 August 2026 for a duration of six months. The Ministry of Manpower is also promoting a more equitable distribution of the internship programme by encouraging businesses and industries in the regions to participate in the national scheme. Furthermore, the ministry is pushing for improved workforce competency to face the disruption of the digital economy by collaborating with universities to develop digital-related courses. The ministry is also bolstering the role of vocational training centres to enhance the skills of prospective workers, promoting digital competency in the era of Artificial Intelligence (AI) through reskilling and upskilling. The minister also addressed the issue of outsourced workers, which is currently considered to have gone too far, with a number of core job types being outsourced under unclear contracts, resulting in wages below the proper rate and a lack of career clarity. Consequently, the government is working with employers and trade unions on restrictions. The Ministry of Manpower continues to drive various efforts to build an adaptive employment ecosystem through a number of strategies, including improving the skills and competencies of prospective workers in cooperation with universities. It is also developing the SIAP KERJA platform, which connects job seekers with companies looking to hire.