adminMELAKA, Sept 6 (Bernama) — The low unemployment rate of 1.6 per cent in Melaka proves the state government is making effective plans for its people, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
He said the figure did not materialise out of thin air but resulted from the hard work of Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh, state executive councillors, state assemblymen and civil servants.
“This means the Melaka government, under the leadership of Yang Berhormat Datuk Seri Utama Rauf, has planned for the future of our youth, provided ample job opportunities, and engaged youth and senior citizens.
“This leadership is crucial, and I congratulate them as achieving 1.6 per cent is indeed a remarkable success,” he said.
He said this in his speech at the closing ceremony of the Melaka State Youth Carnival 2026. The event, also attended by Ab Rauf, was held at the Melaka International Trade Centre (MITC) parking grounds in Ayer Keroh, near here, today.
Ahmad Zahid added that although Melaka is small compared to its neighbours, more than 56 per cent of Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) school leavers pursue studies in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).
He added that there are about 293,000 youths aged 15 to 30 in the state, representing a substantial potential workforce.
“If we include those aged 30 to 40, adding another 25 per cent, nearly 53 per cent of Melaka’s population is under 40 years old.
“This means the potential workforce in Melaka is immense because it relies on the youth labour force in this state… there is much we can harness,” he said.
— BERNAMA
