By Minderjeet Kaur

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA: The 20,000 jobs promised by the government to those who have been retrenched are available with immediate effect.

One can apply for a maximum of five jobs.

Public Services Department director-general Tan Sri Ismail Adam said there were 14,000 vacancies for clerks with the others including administrative assistants and telephone operators.

"The vacancies are to fill up posts left by retirees. We also need people to fill administrative positions in government department and newly-opened agencies."

He said telephone operators can choose from three shifts: 7.30am to 4.30pm, 8am to 5pm or 8.30am to 5.30pm.

"The shifts are to make sure that someone picks up the phone during office hours."

Ismail was responding to a statement by Human Resource Minister Datuk Dr S. Subramaniam who had said yesterday that there were 20,000 jobs available in public sector.

He said most of the jobs were for those with Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia qualifications who could earn up to RM1,800 a month with allowances and other perks.

"It is a good start for them. They could start applying for the jobs immediately," he said, adding that those interested could visit the Public Services Commission or look out for the jobs in the commission's webpage.

The webpage consists of jobs available for Malaysians.

There are also jobs for engineers, nurses, vocational trainers, and community development assistants.

He added that those who had been called in for interview could check the status of their applications in the webpage by typing in their identity card number.

Those who applied for jobs but failed to turn up for interviews would not be penalised.

However, if the candidate declined the position offered, he would be blacklisted for three years for the same position or one year for a different post.

It also states that a diploma holder is allowed to apply for a post at SPM level.

Likewise, a degree holder may apply for a post at diploma level. -NST