Online hiring activity across various industries in Malaysia declined by 12 per cent in October when compared to the same month of last year.

However, the production and manufacturing, automotive and ancillary industry was the only one to not register a decline with flat growth between October 2015 and 2016.

According to the Monster Employment Index (MEI) by Monster.com, the retail sector continued to record slower growth for online hiring.

It chalked up a 23 per cent year-on-year decline in online hiring activity in October.

Monster.com Asia Pacific and Middle East Managing Director Sanjay Modi said hiring activity remained sluggish as companies are still very wary of possible economic headwinds brought about by external factors.

"Other companies are watchful of their budget, laying off workers, cutting salaries and reducing costs all around. But, the government is making great efforts to get more foreign direct investments, which will create better job opportunities," he said in a statement.

The MEI also revealed that the retail sector's online hiring improved by three per cent from a decline of 26 per cent recorded between September 2015 and 2016.

The sector is followed closely by the hospitality industry, which posted a 21 per cent year-on-year decline.

When looking at specific jobs in Malaysia, sales and business development talent continued to witness the strongest year-on-year demand at 20 per cent.

Customer service professionals on the other hand, fared the worst in online hiring in October, exhibiting a 55 per cent annual decline from the 49 per cent recorded in September. -- Bernama