Kota Kinabalu: The Study on Job Seekers’ Aspirations in Sabah, conducted by the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) from January to December 2024, highlights the need for fair wages to be aligned with educational qualifications.
It examines the challenges faced by job seekers in Sabah, especially the high unemployment rate among youths and graduates, and aims to understand the region’s labour market.
Chief Statistician Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin said the primary objective of the study is to analyse Sabah’s labour market by offering insights into wages, employment sectors and skill requirements.
It also addresses the imbalance between wages and cost of living, as well as the skills mismatch in the job market. The study combines quantitative data with insights from Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) involving university students, youth associations, workers, trade unions, employers and government officials.
The respondents were from various regions and employment statuses, with 96.7 per cent of them being Sabahans. The findings show that 72.2 per cent of respondents had higher education, while 27.8 per cent only had secondary education.
“While 87.6 per cent of those with an SPM certificate opted to stay in Sabah, only 54.4 per cent of those with a bachelor’s degree preferred to remain in the State.
“The study also highlights migration trends, showing an increase in inter-state migration from 13.1 per cent in 2020 to 41.9 per cent in 2022. “Furthermore, the number of graduates in Sabah rose by 4.9 per cent from 2021 to 2022,” he said.
He said wage issues were a major concern, with most respondents seeking salaries in line with their education and skills.
“Many expressed willingness to relocate within Malaysia for salaries between RM2,000 and RM4,999, and even abroad for salaries above RM5,000. “The study recommends three key interventions: aligning labour supply and demand through accurate data, enhancing key economic sectors like agriculture, fisheries and ICT, and improving infrastructure to provide greater job opportunities in rural areas.
“The study stresses the importance of understanding job seekers’ aspirations and challenges to implement effective interventions, helping to reduce unemployment and improve the wellbeing of Sabahans,” he said.
