Human Resources Minister M Kula Segaran said the ministry would discuss the matter with the finance ministry before making a decision.

“We have given our opinion and have forwarded the matter to the finance ministry, including a request to increase the cost of living allowance (Cola),” he said at an event here today.

Yesterday, the Malaysian Trades Union Congress had urged the government in Budget 2020 to introduce a Cola monthly allowance of RM500 or more for private sector employees and increase the mandatory retirement age to 65 years.

Asked if the proposal could affect employment opportunities for the younger generation, Kula said the proposed increase in retirement age would benefit the country.

“The country lacks workforce, there is no lack of job opportunities. We are taking in a lot of foreign workers because the country does not have sufficient labour force,” he said.

He said the unemployed in the country are mostly youths, including fresh graduates.

He urged unemployed youths to join technical and vocational training programmes which he said would provide them with skills that will increase their job opportunities.