Its minister, Yusof Yaakob, said many graduates could not find work because the fields they studied were not needed by industries.
“And every year, we produce about 45,000 SPM and STPM school leavers but only about 50% are able to pursue tertiary education while the rest stay back in their kampung.
“The government views this seriously and we will gather all these youths to give them proper training.
“This will enable those not qualified to further their studies to open their own businesses,” he said in winding up the debate on his ministry at the state assembly today.
He also said he had met with Federal Education Minister Maszlee Malik to discuss shortcomings in the education of Sabahans.
On another matter, Yusof said the state government would be allocating more than RM100 million to develop programmes for youths and women.
“This is our promise for the wellbeing of the people and to ensure Sabahans have the opportunity to improve their lives,” he said in response to points raised by Nizam Abu Bakar Titingan (Umno-Apas).
“I think our chief minister is willing to allocate not only RM100 million but RM200 million to RM300 million for this purpose, provided we have the funds.”
Nizam had asked whether the state government will deliver on its promise of RM100 million for youth and women development which Chief Minister Shafie Apdal had pledged during the recent general election campaign.