KOTA BELUD, Nov 16 (Bernama) -- Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has called on Sabah youths to be the drivers of the state’s political stability and progress by seizing the opportunities provided by the government to build a better future.
He said young people are a vital asset to the state, noting that 54 per cent of Sabah’s population comprises youths, yet the state continues to record the highest unemployment rate in the country at 17.1 per cent.
“We want Sabah youths to be given a premium salary of at least RM2,000 a month, on the condition that they undergo Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) courses,” he said, adding that as chairman of the National TVET Council, he will prioritise such skills training for Sabah youths.
Ahmad Zahid was speaking at the Lindung Kerjaya Carnival here today.
Also present were Deputy Human Resource Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Mohamad, Deputy Works Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan, as well as Barisan Nasional candidates for the Usukan seat Datuk Seri Mohd Salleh Said Keruak, Tadzul Radim (Pintasan) and Azuwan Marjan @ Norjan (Tempasuk).
Ahmad Zahid said the premium salary initiative would ensure that Sabah youths do not migrate to Peninsular Malaysia or Sarawak to seek employment, but can instead build their careers and lives in their home state.
He added that the federal government would continue to strengthen training opportunities in Sabah through the establishment of new GiatMARA centres, including one in the Tempasuk state constituency, to ensure local youths are better prepared for an increasingly competitive job market.
“We currently have 25 GiatMARA centres in Sabah. Insya-Allah, under the 13th Malaysia Plan, we will increase the number of these centres to train young people, especially those entering fields with high-paying job prospects,” he said.
According to Ahmad Zahid, the initiative is in line with the government’s commitment to produce more skilled workers in the high-technology sector, thus strengthening Sabah’s overall economy.
He also emphasised the need to ensure political stability in Sabah so that the state’s full development potential can be fully realised.
-- BERNAMA
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