Undocumented Bajau Laut youths face exploitation in Sabah
SEMPORNA: Undocumented Bajau Laut youths in Sabah face exploitation and limited employment opportunities as changes to their traditional sea-based livelihoods add to their challenges.
Undocumented Bajau Laut youths in Sabah face exploitation and limited job prospects due to changes in their traditional sea-based way of life. Bob, a 21-year-old Bajau Laut, reported being sexually harassed at work but did not file a complaint due to fear and lack of official documents. He now works in Semporna as a tour guide, lifeguard, server, and housekeeper, but struggles with wage disputes and the fear of arrest for being undocumented.
Aisah, an 18-year-old third-generation Bajau Laut, laments the diminishing relationship between her community and the sea, which was once their primary source of livelihood. The Bajau Laut, a maritime community, now faces challenges due to increased maritime security, marine conservation restrictions, and declining marine resources.
Their traditional skills, such as freediving, may offer alternative income sources in tourism, but without education, they remain vulnerable to exploitation. Advocates emphasize the need for basic services like legal documentation, education, and healthcare to protect vulnerable undocumented populations.
Written by urgent.news from New Straits Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
