The Study on Job Seekers’ Aspirations in Sabah, conducted throughout 2024, found that most respondents were open to moving to other states in Malaysia if offered a salary of between RM2,000 and RM4,999 a month.

A significant number were also willing to work abroad for salaries exceeding RM5,000.

According to the study, 72.2% of respondents had higher education qualifications, while 27.8% only had secondary school certificates.

“Overall, while there are job opportunities in Sabah, a significant issue remains the mismatch between available jobs and jobseekers’ academic qualifications or skills,” chief statistician Uzir Mahidin said in a statement today.

“The respondents expressed aspirations for more job opportunities with salaries commensurate with their education levels and skills in Sabah.”

Uzir also revealed that 66.2% of Sabahans working in Peninsular Malaysia were inclined to remain there rather than return to their home state.

“To conclude, the study also highlights the importance of understanding the aspirations and challenges faced by jobseekers in Sabah to ensure that more effective intervention measures can be implemented,” he said.

As such, Uzir said the department proposed three key interventions: to align labour supply with demand, strengthen key economic sectors, and improve infrastructure for better job accessibility.

A Sarawak union leader previously called for the minimum wage in East Malaysia to be set at RM2,125 – 25% higher than the current minimum wage of RM1,700.

The new minimum wage, a RM200 increase from the previous rate of RM1,500, took effect on Feb 1.

However, Sarawak Bank Employees Union CEO Andrew Lo said there was a wage disparity between East and West Malaysia.