Every car on Malaysian roads depends on two things: well-made parts and the skilled people who build, fit and service them. That second half of the equation is now getting serious attention. The growth of the automotive workforce in Malaysia is turning into a national priority, and it matters to drivers as much as to the industry, because the quality of a repair depends on the people doing it.

Two announcements in the last week of October 2026 point in the same direction. On 27 October, The Star reported Deputy Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Sim Tze Tzin telling the Dewan Rakyat that RM7 billion in investments had been realised at the Automotive High-Tech Valley (AHTV) in Tanjung Malim since 2018. A day later, Bernama reported Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi outlining TVET 2.0, a 2026–2035 plan to set a new direction for technical and vocational education and training.

What the AHTV Figures Say About Jobs

Investment headlines often focus on factories and ringgit. The more telling figures in The Star's report are about people:

• Workforce at AHTV: about 2,000 in 2018, rising to 9,300 in 2026
• Projected workforce: 22,800 by 2030
• Companies operating at AHTV: up from 11 in 2022 to 35 this year, including component suppliers and logistics providers
• Realised investment: RM7 billion, equal to 23.3% of the estimated RM30 billion for overall AHTV development through 2035

According to the report, recent and ongoing work includes an EV manufacturing plant, expanded engine production, metal stamping facilities, a logistics and warehousing centre, and an R&D testing laboratory. Each of those needs engineers, technicians, quality inspectors and logistics specialists.

Why Competency Is the Next Big Focus

TVET 2.0 addresses the other side of that demand: making sure Malaysians have the skills to fill these roles. According to Bernama, the plan was shaped through engagement sessions in Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Johor and Pahang. One proposal is a National Competency Index to measure workforce competency across knowledge, skills and attitude, led by the Ministry of Higher Education through MyRIVET at Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia.

Ahmad Zahid described the index as "an important step towards identifying skills gaps more systematically," and said "TVET will continue to be strengthened as a preferred career pathway."

For the automotive sector, measuring competency is especially relevant. Modern vehicles combine mechanical systems with electronics, driver assistance features and, increasingly, electric powertrains. The skills needed to diagnose and repair them keep evolving.

How do skills affect the safety of your car? It is easy to think of car safety in terms of parts alone. But even the best replacement part can underperform if it is fitted incorrectly. Chassis components are a clear example, because they work as one connected system:

• Tie rod ends and rack ends must be installed and adjusted so wheel alignment is correct, or tyres will wear unevenly and steering may feel vague
• Ball joints and control arms need correct torque and seating to locate the wheel safely
• Wheel hub bearings must match the vehicle specification, including any ABS wheel-speed encoder, and be installed without damage to seals
• Brake pads and discs should be inspected and replaced in axle pairs, with the condition of hardware and mounting faces checked together
• Strut assemblies rely on correctly fitted mounts, bump stops and dust covers to protect the shock absorber

A skilled technician diagnoses the real cause of a problem, not just the symptom. A knocking noise could come from a stabilizer link, a strut mount or a worn ball joint. Getting that right the first time saves owners money and keeps the car safe.

Careers in the Aftermarket, Not Just the Assembly Line

Most attention goes to manufacturing jobs, but the aftermarket is a large employer in its own right. Every vehicle assembled at AHTV or elsewhere in Malaysia will need years of servicing and replacement parts once it leaves the showroom. That creates steady demand across:

• Workshop technicians who diagnose and repair steering, suspension, brake and drivetrain systems
• Parts specialists who match the right component to the right vehicle variant
• Quality and product teams who make sure replacement parts meet specification
• Logistics and distribution staff who keep parts moving to dealers and workshops nationwide
• Technical support teams who answer workshops' questions on fitment and installation

As the vehicle parc grows and diversifies, these roles become more specialised and more valuable. Brands that invest in technical knowledge, and in supporting the workshops that use their products, help raise standards across the industry. SAIKO's own approach includes local warranty support and an experienced technical team for fast response to dealers and workshops.

Skilled People, Quality Parts, Safer Roads

Malaysia's automotive ambitions rest on people as much as on plants. Investment at AHTV and the direction set by TVET 2.0 both point to an industry that needs more skilled hands, from the assembly line to the neighbourhood workshop. For drivers, the result should be better repairs, more accurate diagnosis and safer vehicles.

SAIKO has supplied quality-controlled automotive replacement parts since 2007, with coverage for more than 400 vehicle models and a nationwide dealer network. Quality parts in the hands of skilled technicians is what keeps Malaysian cars safe, comfortable and reliable for the long run.

Learn more about SAIKO and find your nearest dealer at saiko.com.my