Kota Kinabalu: A salary of RM1,800 being deemed “too high” for graduates is unreasonable, says Umno Sabah chief Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin.
He calls for a comprehensive review of wage structures and stronger support for young professionals to secure fair employment opportunities.
Bung Moktar stressed that the issue of low wages for graduates in Sabah needs urgent attention, as many young professionals struggle to cope with rising living costs.
He said it is unfair for graduates with academic qualifications to be offered salaries that do not match their credentials and the economic reality of the state.
“The statement that RM1,800 is too high for graduates is unacceptable. The cost of living in Sabah has increased significantly, and young professionals should not be forced to accept salaries that barely cover their basic needs,” he said in a statement.
He called for the State government, industries and employers to reassess salary structures, particularly for fresh graduates.
He said salaries must be adjusted to reflect the growing cost of living, and employers must be held accountable for offering fair and reasonable wages based on academic qualifications and experience.
To address this issue, Bung Moktar suggested that the State government introduce incentives or subsidies for employers who offer higher wages to local graduates.
This would encourage the private sector to provide better job opportunities while also helping to bridge the income gap among young Sabahans, he said.
He also proposed expanding training programmes in high-demand sectors such as technology, entrepreneurship, and creative industries to enhance graduate employability.
Closer collaboration between the State government and private sector, he said, is crucial in creating quality job opportunities in key industries like tourism, modern agriculture, manufacturing, and digital technology.
“Investment in infrastructure, particularly high-speed internet access and innovation hubs, is equally important. This will drive growth in new industries that require digital and technical skills, ultimately creating more job opportunities for graduates,” he added.
Additionally, Bung Moktar urged the State government to offer financial aid or grants to graduates keen on starting their own businesses.
He said encouraging entrepreneurship would not only provide young Sabahans with an alternative career path but also generate more employment opportunities for others.
“A holistic and long-term approach is needed to resolve the issue of low salaries for graduates. The State government, private sector, and community must work together to ensure young Sabahans have access to better opportunities and a higher quality of life that reflects their education and hard work,” he added.
