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Daily Express
2 days ago
- Business
- Daily Express
Sabah's unemployment rate at lowest since Covid-19
Published on: Tuesday, August 12, 2025 Published on: Tue, Aug 12, 2025 Text Size: KOTA KINABALU: Sabah's unemployment rate dropped to 6.2pc in Q2 2025, the lowest since COVID-19 and matching the 6.1pc recorded in Q2 2019, according to the Department of Statistics. The rate fell from 6.7pc in Q1 2025, with jobless numbers declining from 144,500 in early 2024 to 120,300, lower than pre-pandemic levels. Advertisement 'This proves that job opportunities are increasing, particularly due to rapid industrial growth in recent years,' said Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Minister Phoong Jin Zhe. 'Large investments from local factories and foreign investors have directly created jobs for Sabah's youth". He noted that Sabah's employed population grew by nearly 150,000 in 18 months, the second highest increase in Malaysia after Selangor. However, Phoong acknowledged that Sabah still records the highest unemployment rate in the country and stressed that sustained efforts are needed. 'I will not be satisfied or stop here. I will continue, step by step, until the people can see real change,' he said. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Daily Express
06-08-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
More opportunities the past five years
Published on: Wednesday, August 06, 2025 Published on: Wed, Aug 06, 2025 By: Larry Ralon, Esther Glorie Leow Text Size: Phoong said the entry of investors was not solely about industrial growth, but also about delivering direct benefits to the local workforce. Kota Kinabalu: The surge in industrial development and investment in Sabah over the past five years has significantly expanded employment opportunities for people in the State, said Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Minister Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe. He said under the leadership of Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, both foreign and domestic investment in Sabah have seen notable growth, driving the State's economic progress and enabling the establishment of new factories and industrial ventures. Advertisement 'Over the past five years, under the leadership of the Chief Minister, we've seen a strong rise in investments. But what does that mean for the people? It means we're creating job opportunities for Sabahans,' he said at the State-level Trade Union Day held at International Technology and Commercial Centre (ITCC) here Monday. Phoong said the entry of investors was not solely about industrial growth, but also about delivering direct benefits to the local workforce. 'We've seen factories opening, investors coming in, and this is all about creating opportunities for the people of Sabah. We're committed to developing more industries because we want our youths to have jobs right here in their home state,' he added. The Minister emphasised that supporting workers and strengthening the State's economy are not conflicting goals but rather mutually reinforcing. Advertisement '(Human Resources Minister) Steven Sim often jokes that I take care of employers. But the truth is, ensuring employers make a profit is also part of protecting the welfare of workers. 'If employers succeed and businesses thrive, then workers must also benefit through better salaries and secure employment. This is the win-win situation we're striving for,' he said. He also expressed full support for the Federal Government's worker-centred policies and urged Sabahans to continue backing both the Federal and State administrations for shared progress and prosperity. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
