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ACCCIM Press Releases

23 Jun 2022

ACCCIM’S Press Release on HRD CORP’s Compulsory Microcredential Fees

23-6-2022

The Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (ACCCIM) strongly objects to the implementation of compulsory Microcredential (MC) fee imposed on employers for all HRD Corp’s claimable programmes effective 15 August 2022.

According to a HRD Corp’s circular on Microcredential (MC) Initiative Implementation issued on 15th June 2022, a RM300 MC fee will be imposed on employers for almost all HRD Corp training programmes.

President of ACCCIM Tan Sri Low Kian Chuan says that, ACCCIM hopes the government would reconsider the implementation of the compulsory RM300 MC fees to be deducted from the training levy contributed by the employers. The new measure would reduce the number of employee eligible for training programmes. It is also against the objective of HRD Corp to encourage upskilling and reskilling of more employees. Business sector would need to shoulder additional cost burden during this challenging period.

“ACCCIM supports the MC initiative as it encourages lifelong learning of employees. However, we are of the view that not all courses should be subjected to MC requirements together with a compulsory MC fees of RM300 per employee. Not necessarily all employees will be interested in collecting MC as a form of formal qualification. MC should be regarded as OPTIONAL and not compulsory.

The President states 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 MQA and JPK experts who verify the MC courses, and the list of Higher Education Providers that accepts the MC. We also hope that HRD Corp can list down the MC courses and publish it on their website as what MQA does for their MC courses.

Tan Sri Low reiterates that it is inappropriate for HRD Corp to implement new measure 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 collection, and make necessary arrangement until further engagement sessions with the levy-paying employers and stakeholders.

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