why not do some startup on something.
previous coding skill less applicable after mco and alot Tech firm have starterd retrench IT related job due to over hire previously.

what about taking less paying jobs? already have family or single? maybe start doing grab or some part time jobs to get by while looking out?
am almost the same with your friend, but started doing frontend stuffs like 4-5 years ago, not solely on java anymore, also doing mostly platform engineering stuffs nowadays

maybe get some certs will help?

45 and have memory problems liao... should oredi know it's time to take on  some less competitive and less brain usage jobs... like grabfood, ehailing or working some simple grocery or shopping mall work...

java as a programming language also is getting obsolete... used to be free but since oracle took over i think if company using it, there is a license agreement attached to it. Even my company asking to remove java from our system.

Still wanna stay in IT, then go up skill and take up a new skill, IT people should know every 5-10 years should keep relevant in the market and upskill based on demand or left becoming obsolete like dinosaur.

Looking at his commitments and loans , doubt he is able to spend any money and further bleed his savings taking up course which might/might not yield good results for job prospects. Best course of action is get a simple job asap and pay down the loans... and clear off.. then on the side lines go find a job in peace or once debt paid off can think about reskilling.

Need upskilling maybe to another programming language or just change over to management. Java is just a programming language.

The ability to plan, solve problems, think out of the box, manage a team or project effectively are the more important traits that should have been acquired from work experience. Need to project these traits in cv resume and interviews rather than how many programming languages or lines of codes written.

it is happening as a norm not just like IT industry, it is just the same even for fresh graduate of any industry, I would suggest brush up interview skills & practice on presenting yourself, I notice most IT background having problem on that.

Nothing to be afraid because many company still hunting for middle age to be fill in IT role! Especially you are full stack developer, devops, sre, cloud and automation engineer plus etc. Why ? They need this group of people because they are more accountability and won't be leaving for short periods if compare to those youngsters

Just keep trying until you hook it up! Never said die just get up and try!!!!

most java job i see now require spring, try to ask him to do some online course see can pickup the skill or not, next try convince employer that what he lack is exposure to master it.

strange, a lot of jobs in malaysia we cant fill people sampai hire indian for 12-18k.... in my company, serious

our company is filled with >40 but very few in dev.

alot analyst , architect , product owner manager like that tho, automation specialist, release manager like that

but different skillset than dev

there is some overlap in skills tho

so maybe time for him to move on from dev...

If he still want to stay relevant in this field in technical path, learn the new technology, else take the fresh grad offer or switch direction, e.g. to non technical role.
As a developer I will feel insecure if I'm working with the same technical skillset for 2 years continuously, tech stack that I use 3 years ago is irrelevant now, what I mean is every 3 years, your friend are lucky to be able secure a job for decades

45yo so many years in IT line only know JAVA ?

ur friend playing with faiyah man.

never bothered to retrain?

Your friend is in some deep waters.
Jan till now 6 months already what has he done to help himself?
You dont just sit around and wait.
45 already and not management level.
While waiting to get a a real job, start getting some income by doing grab etc.
His best bet is his experience and current skill set, keep looking and begging for jobs. Use direct reference is more effective.

I'm mid 40 java developer as well.

Working in Europe for last 10 years now. Still quite good demand here, but can't just do POJO, need to know other stuff especially cloud based stuff

Looking for new job at this age is a challenge. I recently started looking for new roles and it took me 6 months to get an offer. I am also in your friend's age range.

Here are some of my thoughts.

1. As he has Java experience, he should look out for roles with this requirement. I am not sure how the market is but you can use indeed.com.my to find the number of vacancies with this requirement
2. Engage Head hunters, I initially was reluctant as I have not gotten good response from them but this time I got an offer because of the head hunter.
3. If you create a job profile in foundit.com.my,  you will get a lot of calls from head hunters. I got calls for many roles mostly mid senior roles.
4. Update your resume to ensure they are ATS compliant. You can google some ATS compliant resumes and update yours with the same format.
5. Keep applying every day, lookup the various job portals and apply. Its not easy applying as you should custom you application . Can take up a few hours i.e. create account and fill in the online forms etc  !
6. Track the applications you have made. I created a folder for each application /engagement so I know what I sent as a reference.
7. Keep yourself motivated.  Rejections or on response can be a pain. It was for me.
8. You may have to adjust your asking. But how much to ask? I started with a number I wanted, for each application when engaged by head hunters I specified my number. i then had to adjust downwards to a mor acceptable. It was a process to identify the correct asking salary.
9. As you are unemployed do not lie and say you are. If offered a job they will ask for your current payslip. It will be bad if you cannot offer. There is a lot of discussions about how you should not do this.
As you are desperate you have no choice.
Find a reason you are not employed , company restructuring , account run off, took a break from work do to burnout ( maybe not a good one) but you have to give valid reasons if questioned.
10. I was going to look at the freelance job sites , if I was not offered a job. This might be something that might help. You will have to learn the  whole process on how to bid for jobs. 

11. If you have time learn Kubernetes, this is part of the devops responsibilites. Look up CKA training on Udemy by Mumshad Mannambeth  he explains well and you can get your CKA certification.

12. Knowing Cloud is a must. Azure , AWS,GCP, Alicloud etc choose one with the most openings you see. The tech will need to be in sync with Kubernetes to have a better exposure.Instead of random cloud tech.

13. Emphasize skills and non technical skills like managing incidents, fixing broken processes mentoring .

I wish you friend luck, having financial constrains and looking for job can take a toll on oneself. Will need to be prepared mentally. To top that off you have to learn new stuff. It's really a lot.

As a general advise , keep improving your self. Don't depend on the company you work for to send you for training. Like some of the other comments every 2-3 years must learn something.
If you have about 6 months I would encourage this program it has a wide scope on the current tech stack and might help. The issue is the time can your friend sustain another 6-8 months without salary?

https://42kl.edu.my/
Best of luck to your friend

hi there, I just post a similar question and I discovered your post, may I know is your friend manage to find new job?