The Rural and Regional Development Ministry has allocated RM25 million to train 3,000 youths, including Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) school-leavers, in various skills this year.

Deputy minister Datuk Ahmad Jazlan Yaakub said the training would include health and beauty, fashion and textiles, as well as hospitality and tourism.

"They must be 17 years old and older, especially those who have failed to obtain places in tertiary institutions," he told reporters after launching a skills and career training programme carnival here today.

Also present were Felcra Berhad chairman Datuk Abdul Fatah Abdullah and its chief executive officer, Ramli Abu Bakar.

Ahmad Jazlan, who is also Machang MP, said the ministry would provide financial and management help to enable the target group to attend courses organised by the Skills Development Department.