KOTA KINABALU – Some 15,554 youth have gained employment from the various programmes and initiatives done by the state Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry (Mosti) and the Social Security Organisation (Socso) in Sabah this year.
Sabah Mosti minister Datuk Yakub Khan said this in response to a question on the actions taken by the state ministry to deal with unemployment among youth who could not further their studies through tertiary education.
Yakub said 60 school leavers and youth took part in the Sabah Talent Entrepreneurship Programme under the state’s Human Resource Department.
“The programme is aimed at creating youth entrepreneurs who would be able to create new jobs.
“Indirectly also reduce the reliance on youth to find jobs in the public and private sectors,” he said in his response to the question posed by Dumi Masdal (Silam-Warisan) during the state assembly’s question and answer session today.
According to Yakub, his ministry has produced 1,300 new entrepreneurs via its Pitchborneo programme, while 112 entrepreneurs received a RM20,000 grant each to expand their business and products.
He said 15 skill courses involving technological, vocational education and training (TVET) were carried out, with the participation of school-leavers who could not enter university.
Yakub said those who completed the courses will obtain the Malaysian Skills Certificate, Human Resource Department Skills Certificate and competency qualifications from Petronas and the Energy Commission.
Long-term skill courses were also held involving youth, low-income earners and job seekers, said Yakub, adding that 90 participated in the divemaster programme, rigging and slinging, blaster painter level 1 and 2, and shipping course.
To date, he said 39 trainees have gained employment via the courses.
Yakub said a total of 1,390 individuals have been offered jobs via 11 career carnivals organised by Socso statewide, while 16 gained employment via open interviews organised by the Human Resource Department.
Among others, he said 13 Hospitality Learning Programme participants have gained employment at the Shangri-La Rasa Ria hotel, while 10 students undertaking the Sabah Creative Economy and Innovation Centre digital creative programme have been hired by animation companies.
The unemployment rate in Sabah hit its highest level at 8.8% in the second quarter of 2022 due to the pandemic. – The Vibes, November 29, 2022
