The Rural and Regional Development Ministry said the proposal to increase the RM200 monthly allowance of Giatmara trainees was under consideration.

Its minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal said the agency's management, however, must first submit a full working paper for the ministry to determine the amount.

"The proposal to improve and upgrade the existing Giatmara buildings is also being considered," he said at the Giatmara annual awards presentation at the Putra World Trade Centre, here, Tuesday night.

He said what mattered most was producing skilled and competitive human capital that could help spur the economy.