Malaysia’s Online Hiring Activity Declines By 12%

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Online hiring activity across various industries in Malaysia declined by 12% in October when compared to the same month of last year.
However, the production and manufacturing, automotive and ancillary industries were the only ones to not register a decline with flat growth between October 2015 and 2016.
According to the Monster Employment Index (MEI) by Monster.com, the retail sector continued to record slower growth for online hiring.
It chalked up a 23% year-on-year decline in online hiring activity in October.
Monster.com Asia Pacific and Middle East managing director Sanjay Modi said hiring activity remained sluggish as companies were still very wary of possible economic headwinds brought about by external factors.
“Other companies are watchful of their budget, laying off workers, cutting salaries and reducing costs all around. But, the government is making great efforts to get more foreign direct investments, which will create better job opportunities,” he said in a statement.
The MEI also revealed that the retail sector’s online hiring improved by 3% from a decline of 26% recorded between September 2015 and 2016.
The sector is followed closely by the hospitality industry, which posted a 21% year-on-year decline.
When looking at specific jobs in Malaysia, sales and business development talent continued to witness the strongest year-on-year demand at 20%.
Customer service professionals, on the other hand, fared the worst in online hiring in October, exhibiting a 55% annual decline from the 49% recorded in September.
Questions & Answers
Q.Which industries in Malaysia did not experience a decline in online hiring activity during October?
Which industries in Malaysia did not experience a decline in online hiring activity during October?
The production and manufacturing, automotive, and ancillary industries were the only ones that did not register a decline, showing flat growth between October 2015 and 2016.
Q.What was the year-on-year decline in online hiring for the retail sector in October?
What was the year-on-year decline in online hiring for the retail sector in October?
The retail sector recorded a 23% year-on-year decline in online hiring activity in October. This continued its trend of slower growth.
Q.What was the primary reason cited for the sluggish hiring activity?
What was the primary reason cited for the sluggish hiring activity?
Hiring activity remained sluggish because companies were very wary of possible economic headwinds caused by external factors. They are also watchful of budgets and reducing costs.
Q.Which job role experienced the strongest year-on-year demand in online hiring in Malaysia?
Which job role experienced the strongest year-on-year demand in online hiring in Malaysia?
Sales and business development talent continued to see the strongest year-on-year demand at 20%. Conversely, customer service professionals fared the worst.
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