KOTA KINABALU: Claims that a RM1,800 starting salary for fresh graduates is too high is unacceptable and out of touch with Sabah's rising cost of living, says Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin.
The Sabah Umno chief urged the state government, industry players and employers to re-evaluate salary structures, stressing that fresh graduates should not be forced to accept unreasonably low pay.
"Young people are the main catalyst in the economic development of the state and the country, and they should be given the opportunity to grow in a fair environment.
"As a state rich in natural resources, Sabah should be able to provide better job opportunities for young people, especially local graduates," he said.
Employers, he added, must be held accountable for offering low wages that do not reflect qualifications and experience.
Bung Moktar proposed state-backed incentives or subsidies for employers who offer higher wages to graduates, arguing that this would create better job opportunities and reduce youth poverty in Sabah.
He also said investment in infrastructure, particularly high-speed Internet and innovation hubs, is crucial to supporting new job sectors and attracting better-paying opportunities.
"A holistic and continuous solution is the key to ensuring that young people in Sabah receive better opportunities and can enjoy a quality life that matches their efforts and sacrifices," he said.
