A LACK of safety nets and unions to protect workers' rights is why many choose to leave the hospitality and services industry.
The industry is supported by the state's booming tourism sector, which pumps more than RM1 billion a year into the Sabah economy.
While the jobs do provide some perks, they offer little stability.
Suzana Embi, 26, said she joined a fastfood restaurant in Kota Kinabalu about three months ago but doesn't see herself working there for long.
"I am here merely to gain experience. I am grateful the company provides accommodation and free meals.
“I am also given an opportunity for career advancement," said Suzana, who is from Bogaya Semporna in the southeast of Sabah.
Suzana was also concerned for her future as the franchise restaurant was among the brands boycotted by pro-Palestinian groups.
However, she said here current job was still better than her previous one in retail, where she was not promoted after working for about four years.
There are 427,000 workers employed in the industry. Entry-level jobs require at least secondary education and offer a starting salary of RM1,500.
The sector accounts for 22.8% of the total employment in Sabah.
Michael Jack, 36, said it took him more than 10 years to be promoted to the manager of a coffeehouse in a five-star hotel.
"I started out as a part-timer 15 years ago. My salary was only RM2.20 an hour," he said.
"It was tough, but eventually I was hired full-time in my third year. I was promoted to manager about two years ago,” he said.
He said he was barely making ends meet.
“I am married and have housing and car loans to pay. Luckily, my wife also has a job.
“But it would be difficult if we ever had to raise a child," he said.
Jack said he had found another job at the airport when he was 30.
Although the work did offer some security and stability, he said it was difficult for him to learn new skills at that age.
"It would have been tough to start all over again,” he said.
He wondered if his life would have been better now if he had taken up the job.
Hotel worker Joned Ramlee, 46, hoped that the welfare of workers in the industry would be improved.
"Despite having a huge workforce, we do not have a proper union to protect our rights. Companies are making a profit, thanks to the state's booming tourism industry.
"But it will usually take over a decade of hard work to attain some level of stability, if one is lucky," he said.
Joned said employers do not feel the need to protect their workers.
"When someone leaves, a worker will need to do the extra work until someone new is hired. This could take months."
He said employers rarely raise salaries and this demoralises workers.
They will look for jobs elsewhere in the hope of getting a better paying one, he said. – May 2, 2024.
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