The Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (ACCCIM) is objecting to the implementation of compulsory microcredential fee imposed on employers for all Human Resource Development Corp’s (HRD Corp) claimable programmes effective Aug 15, 2022.
A HRD Corp circular on Microcredential Initiative Implementation issued on June 15, 2022, states that a RM300 fee will be imposed on employers for almost all HRD Corp training programmes.
ACCCIM president Tan Sri Low Kian Chuan (picture) hoped the government would reconsider the implementation of the compulsory fee to be deducted from the training levy contributed by the employers.
He said this would reduce the number of employees eligible for training programmes, which is against HRD Corp’s objective of encouraging upskilling and reskilling of more employees.
Moreover, the business sector would need to shoulder additional costs during an already challenging period.
“ACCCIM supports the initiative as it encourages lifelong learning of employees. However, we are of the view that not all courses should be subjected to microcredential requirements together with a compulsory fee of RM300 per employee.
“Not all employees are interested in collecting microcredential as a form of formal qualification. It should be regarded as optional, not compulsory,” he said in a statement today.
Low added that there are many unclear details which require further clarification and discussion in a transparent manner.
These include the need to disclose the panel of the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) and the Department of Skills Development experts who verify the microcredential courses, and the list of higher education providers.
“We also hope that HRD Corp can list down the microcredential courses and publish it on their website as what MQA does for theirs,” he said.
Low reiterated that it is inappropriate for HRD Corp to implement new measures without first having constructive engagement sessions with the business sectors and various stakeholders.
“Therefore, ACCCIM urges HRD Corp to defer the implementation of new fees and make necessary engagement sessions with the levy-paying employers and stakeholders,” he stressed.
