Sabah labour market shows improvement amid strong sectoral growth, says Hajiji

KOTA KINABALU - Sabah's labour market has demonstrated improving trends, as stated by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor. The construction sector experienced the highest growth rate of 28.3 percent, followed by manufacturing (5 percent), mining and quarrying (4.9 percent), and services (4.5 percent). These sectoral advancements indicate a shift in employment opportunities in Sabah, aligning with economic progress and industry demands, ultimately generating a need for workers possessing the requisite skills.

Human Resources Ministry's initiatives through the Social Security Organisation (Perkeso) contributed to 71,821 successful job placements in Sabah between 2020 and July 24, 2026. This accomplishment highlights the government's unwavering dedication to facilitating Sabahan employment and enhancing their economic prosperity, as conveyed in his address.

Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun relayed Hajiji's speech during the inauguration of the MYFutureJobs X Oil & Gas Kota Kinabalu 2026 Career Carnival, held at a convention center in the region. Notable attendees included Deputy Human Resources Minister Datuk Khairul Firdaus Akbar and Malaysia Petroleum Management senior vice-president Datuk Bacho Pilong.

According to data from the Department of Statistics Malaysia, Sabah's labour force comprised approximately 1.90 million individuals in the second quarter of 2026, with 1.23 million employed and around 106,600 unemployed.