Kota Kinabalu: Sabah recorded an unemployment rate of five per cent in the fourth quarter of 2025, higher than the national average of about three per cent, with youth unemployment exceeding 10 per cent.
State Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk James Ratib said the situation requires urgent action, particularly in addressing the mismatch between job seekers’ skills and industry needs.
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“The Government will strengthen its commitment to tackling unemployment and skills mismatch through inclusive and comprehensive labour education initiatives.
“Skills training must move in tandem with industry demands to ensure Sabah is not left behind in global development, especially in the digital economy era,” he said when officiating the flag-off of the Sabah Labour Education Convoy 2026, organised by the State Labour Department, Tuesday.
The convoy is expected to serve as a platform to engage the public with information on labour rights, training opportunities and career pathways, while helping to bridge the gap between workforce skills and market demands.
According to James, the programme targets efforts to address unemployment and job mismatch through outreach across five key locations: Kota Kinabalu, Keningau, Tawau, Lahad Datu and Sandakan.
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“The public will not only be exposed to their rights and responsibilities in the workplace, but also given opportunities to enhance their skills and career development,” he said.
James also commended the synergy between federal and state agencies, involving more than 10 organisations.
He said the integrated effort aligns with the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) aspiration to strengthen human capital based on knowledge, science and technology.
“We want to produce a more knowledgeable, highly skilled and competitive Sabah workforce so that no one is left behind in development,” he stressed.
