WARNING ISSUED TO ERRANT COLLEGES

Mahfuz says those caught violating rules will have licences revoked

THE Human Resources Ministry will not hesitate to revoke the licences of private colleges offering skills education if they violate the rules set by it.

This includes colleges duping their students and using them as cheap labour under the guise of practical training.

Deputy Human Resources Minister Datuk Mahfuz Omar said the ministry, through the Department of Skills Development (JPK), had always been monitoring the operations of such colleges to ensure they follow standards set for skills-based courses.

Mahfuz said he did not want such colleges to abuse the department’s requirements, until there arose disputes regarding the Malaysian Skills Certificate (SKM) and the Malaysian Skills Diploma (DKM) issued by these colleges.

“We will monitor the situation and will take action against private institutions that violate the rules and regulations.

“Systematic checks will be conducted, from time to time, to identify misconduct.

“In addition, we are cooperating with other parties to ensure of that the students’ skills education reaches the exacting standards demanded by the industry,” he said after officiating the Job Fair @ Kedah Urban Transformation Centre 5.0 here yesterday.

He said this in response to a Berita Harian special report on a college, which tricked its students by using them as cheap labour under the guise of practical training.

He said students should know their rights to ensure that they were not deceived before choosing to pursue their studies at private institutions.

He added that if students were aware or suspected that they were being deceived by their colleges, they must report the matter to JPK.

“We expect students to inform us of any irregularities or if they fear their rights had been violated by the college.”

Asked if the number of SKM and DKM accreditations given to private colleges would be limited to facilitate the monitoring such colleges, Mahfuz, said this would be based on industry demand.

“We cannot look at whether it (the number of certificates issued) would be reduced or increased because it should be based on current needs,” he said.