ONLY 10,440 of 112,100 unemployed Sabahans last year were able to find jobs as of June, state Education and Innovation Minister Dr Yusof Yacob said today.

He told the state assembly that most of those who found employment did so at job carnivals and roadshows held by the ministry in all Sabah districts.

“The carnivals organised in Kota Belud, Tenom, Beaufort, Ranau, Kudat, Kunak, Kinabatangan and Sipitang saw 2,995 individuals hired, while 96 individuals were hired when the carnival was held in Sandakan, between March and May this year. 

“During the job roadshows in six districts, namely Keningau, Tawau, Semporna, Lahad Datu, Kota Kinabalu and Sandakan, between March 25 and March 30, 4,042 jobseekers gained employment. 

“The rest of those hired by companies were through outreach programmes organised by the Sabah Manpower Department in the rural areas,” he said.

When questioned on oil and gas jobs, Dr Yusof said there is a collaboration with the Industrial Training Institute and the Sabah Skills and Technology Centre to train locals to work in the industry. 

Dr Yusof also said the state economic planning unit is studying how to develop the local manpower to venture into tourism entrepreneurship and other industries. – August 7, 2019.