Transport Minister Anthony Loke presenting a certificate to Malaysian Maritime Academy (ALAM) Cadet S. Shankar at ALAM's 124th Convocation Ceremony in ALAM Kuala Sungai Baru today. - At the ceremony, a total of 332 ALAM cadets from various disciplines were celebrated upon completion of their diploma-level training, while 153 new cadets for the first semester received scholarships under the MISC Education Sponsorship Programme for this year. - Bernama pic
ALOR GAJAH: The shipping sector is facing a critical shortage of local professionals and other key maritime personnel, which needs to be addressed immediately, said Transport Minister Anthony Loke.
He explained that, given the fact that nearly 40 per cent of ship crew serving in Malaysia are foreign nationals, these vacancies must be filled by qualified local seafarers.
"This is a vital sector. Each ship requires a wide range of expertise, such as engineers, technicians, and logistics management officers. The maritime field undoubtedly offers bright prospects with high earning potential.
"However, in Malaysia, interest in a seafaring career remains low compared to countries like the Philippines and Indonesia.
"Therefore, we need more awareness campaigns, workshops, and community programmes to engage not just young people, but also their parents," he told reporters after presiding over the convocation ceremony for the Malaysian Maritime Academy (Alam) in Sungai Baru today.
He cited the rising number of female cadets as a positive indicator of their growing acceptance of the shipping and maritime sector, even though they still constitute only about 10 per cent of the academy's student body.
"While the career presents its own challenges, such as being at sea for two to three months at a time, the safety of female crew members is of utmost importance. All shipping companies enforce a strict Code of Conduct on board, which helps guarantee their protection," he said.
He then called on more local shipping companies to sponsor students at Alam as well as mandatory practical training aboard ships, saying this would provide crucial support to strengthen the local professional workforce.
"Companies like MISC offer cadets scholarships to study at Alam before being placed with them. However, this effort cannot be shouldered by just one company," he added.
Earlier at the ceremony, 332 cadets from various fields graduated upon completing their diplomas, while 153 new cadets received scholarships under this year's MISC Education Sponsorship Programme. — BERNAMA
By BERNAMA
