Study Says Malaysians are Afraid Robots Will Take Over Their Jobs

Many Malaysians think that robots and automation could take over their jobs in the future. Research by YouGov Omnibus showed that 29% of the 1,009 Malaysians surveyed believe robots could replace them at work.

The research also found seven in 10 (69%) believe that automation and robots will lead to a decline of jobs in the overall economy. The other three (31%) however think the adoption of technology will lead to jobs being created.

The survey explained that young Malaysians aged between 18 and 24 are the most concerned group about robots taking over their jobs, with four in 10 (45%) thinking it is likely. Nevertheless, only 18% or two in 10 of older Malaysians above 45 years old think robots could replace them.

The study also discovered that 33% of low-income earners, those making less than RM4,000 a month, believe they are more likely to be replaced by robots than those making over RM8,000 a month.

Around half or 49% of those surveyed also think that automation will have some sort of impact on their jobs, with 30% of them believing that this can occur in the next five years.

The other 30% predict that this could only be happening between five and 10 years. One in three thinks that it will take 10 years or more for this to be a reality. Only 4% of those surveyed already see their roles being affected by robots.

The poll also found that 96% of Malaysians use technology in their role, with two in 10 saying that their job “very much involves technology”. About 55% of the respondents also stated they are acquiring extra skills in technology.

It further pointed out that 75% of the respondents who think that they are “very likely” to be replaced are already upskilling themselves. Asia Pacific’s YouGov Omnibus chief Jake Gammon said it was fascinating to see the deep gaps in the survey.

“The question will be whether Malaysians are able to adapt to upcoming changes in the workforce,” said Gammon.

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Source: The Star

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