KOTA KINABALU – The unemployment rate in Sabah is projected to soar this year, with the continued implementation of the movement control order (MCO) by the government in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The state government’s Covid-19 spokesman Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun said the Department of Statistics Malaysia has projected unemployment rates in Malaysia, including Sabah, to increase due to the economic impact of the virus.
“The implementation of the MCO has impacted and affected many businesses, involving various economic sectors in the state.
Some had to close due to inability to cover operating expenses, including employee salaries resulting in lay-offs.
“This is reflected in the unemployment hike in Sabah in the first quarter of 2020 which is 3.9% compared to 3.3% in 2019.
Nevertheless, he said the state government will ensure that the economic fallout from the virus is minimised.
“This includes revitalising the state’s major economies such as services, agriculture, manufacturing and construction which is expected to reduce unemployment rates in Sabah.
Meanwhile to a question on how the number of Covid-19 tests carried out on migrant workers in Sabah since the turn of the year, Masidi said that statistics from the Sabah Manpower Department found just 659 out of 8,369 employers have implemented testing on their migrant workforce.
He said that since the policy came into force on January 11, 2021, a total of 26,516 out of 118,376 foreign workers with temporary working visit pass (PLKS), registered with the Social Security Organisation (Socso), have undergone screening tests in Sabah.
Masidi said the Sabah Manpower Department with the Health and Safety Department (DOSH) and Socso have also established a task force to test migrant workers in the state.
“This task force will coordinate 15 enforcement teams located by zone throughout Sabah.”
Masidi said the enforcement team will make visit employers to ensure compliance, including for screening of Malaysian workers. – The Vibes, February 2, 2021
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