Frequently Asked Question

The Malaysia Standard Classification of Occupations (MASCO) is a national benchmark for classifying occupations within Malaysia's employment structure. It provides a systematic framework for categorizing jobs based on the type of work performed and the skills required. MASCO is developed in accordance with the International Standard Classification of Occupations (ISCO) by the International Labour Organization (ILO), with modifications to suit Malaysia's specific needs.

MASCO aims to:

• Improve the classification of occupational structures in Malaysia.
• Update job titles to align with current market demands, economic growth, and technological and organizational changes.
• Provide a dynamic, comprehensive, and quality information dissemination platform for the nation's workforce.
• Serve as a reference for both public and private sectors in planning organizational development strategies and ensuring the workforce meets job market demands.
• Catalyze the national human resource inventory through systems like e-MASCO, which offers current, interactive, and efficient job information.
  

MASCO 2020 features a five-level classification structure, moving from broader to more specific categories:

• Major Group (1-digit code): The broadest classification, representing 10 main categories of occupations.
• Sub-Major Group (2-digit code): A more detailed breakdown within each Major Group.
• Minor Group (3-digit code): Further sub-divisions within Sub-Major Groups.
• Unit Group (4-digit code): Specific occupational categories.
• Minor Unit Group (6-digit code): The most detailed level, often identifying specific job titles.

The 10 Major Groups are:

1. Managers
2. Professionals
3. Technicians and Associate Professionals
4. Clerical Support Workers
5. Service and Sales Workers
6. Skilled Agricultural, Forestry, Livestock and Fishery Workers
7. Craft and Related Trades Workers
8. Plant and Machine Operators and Assemblers
9. Elementary Occupations
10. Armed Forces

While both managers (Major Group 1) and supervisors (classified in other major groups) may plan, organize, coordinate, control, and direct the work of others, the key difference lies in their authority and overall responsibility. Managers typically have responsibility for and make decisions about the overall strategic and operational direction of a business or organizational unit, including budgets and staff selection/dismissal. Supervisors, on the other hand, are primarily responsible for supervising the activities of other workers, providing advice but generally lacking the authority to make broad strategic decisions.

MASCO is widely used for:

• Labor Market Analysis: Providing consistent data for statistics on employment, unemployment, wages, and job vacancies.
• Policy Making: Informing government policies related to human resources, education, and training.
• Research: Serving as a standardized classification for researchers studying labor trends and occupational structures.
• Education and Training: Guiding educational and training institutions in developing relevant curricula and programs that align with industry needs.
• Human Resource Planning: Assisting organizations in workforce planning, recruitment, and career development.
• Statistical Surveys: Utilized by agencies like the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) for surveys such as the Labour Force Survey, where occupations are categorized based on MASCO.

MASCO enables the categorization of occupations into different skill levels:

• Skilled workers: Generally include Managers, Professionals, and Technicians and Associate Professionals.
• Semi-skilled workers: Typically comprise Clerical Support Workers, Service and Sales Workers, Skilled Agricultural, Forestry, Livestock and Fishery Workers, Craft and Related Trades Workers, and Plant and Machine Operators and Assemblers.
• Low-skilled workers: Primarily refer to Elementary Occupations.

MASCO 2020 is a significant update designed to reflect the evolving workforce structure, economic growth, and advancements in technology in Malaysia. It features a larger number of job titles (4,163) and aims to provide more current, interactive, and efficient job information through systems like e-MASCO, supporting better human resource inventory and planning for the nation.

e-MASCO is an online platform that functions as a digital repository and interactive tool for MASCO. Its purpose is to provide easy, up-to-date, and effective access to occupational information. Users can:

• Search for specific occupations.
• View detailed job descriptions and skill levels.
• Explore related job titles.
  
  

Search guide on the e-MASCO portal:

• Access the Portal: Visit https://emasco.mohr.gov.my/ or the official website of the Ministry of Human Resources.
• Search Interface: Use the search bar to look up job titles (e.g., Software Engineer) or browse by the 10 Major Groups.
• Search Results: Displays MASCO codes, official titles, job descriptions, skill levels, and related titles.
• Refine Your Search: Use additional keywords or broader categories.
  

Note: e-MASCO is not a job vacancy portal. For job advertisements, use platforms such as JobStreet, LinkedIn, MyFutureJobs, or company career websites. MASCO is strictly a classification system.

MASCO originated with the Dictionary of Occupational Classification (DOC), which was introduced in 1969. The first edition of MASCO, or the Malaysia Standard Classification of Occupations, was published in 1998. It was followed by the 2008 and 2013 editions, with the latest edition being released in 2020.

• Job Title: The specific name of a position within an organization.
• Alternative Job Title: A job title that shares the same job description and tasks.
• Job Description: A summary that provides an overview explaining the type of work and daily tasks performed by a given position.
• List of Tasks / Tasks Included: Also known as job specifications, which refer to the minimum skills and capabilities required to perform the duties of a position.
• Work: A set of tasks and duties carried out by an individual.
• Occupation: The work and responsibilities performed by an individual, either as an employee or self-employed.
• Skill Level: The level of complexity and responsibility involved in carrying out the tasks of a given occupation.
  

Job Taxonomy is a hierarchical system for classifying occupations, organized from broader categories to more specific ones. It is used to categorize, analyze, and understand the relationships between various types of occupations. In the context of MASCO, the job taxonomy starts with the Major Group, followed by the Sub-Major Group, Minor Group, Unit Group, and finally the Small Unit Group, down to the specific job titles.

No. e-MASCO is not a job search portal. Instead, it is the official classification system that provides standardized information on occupations, including classification codes, job descriptions, skill levels, and related job titles. For information on job vacancies, users should refer to dedicated job search platforms such as MyFutureJobs and other similar job search portals.