Sabah may not have the power to set its own minimum wage, but that doesn’t mean it should sit back and do nothing, says UMNO Sabah chief Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin.

He’s calling on the state government to step in after reports that a starting salary of RM1,800 for graduates is being labeled as excessive.

“Young people are the backbone of our economy, yet they’re forced to take jobs that don’t match their qualifications.

“With the cost of living rising, how is RM1,800 too much?” he said in a statement in Kota Kinabalu on Tuesday. 

Minimum wage policies are decided at the federal level under the National Wages Consultative Council Act 2011 (Act 732), meaning Sabah has no control over setting a higher floor for wages.

But Bung insists there’s plenty the state can do—starting with pressuring employers to offer fairer salaries.

“Sabah is rich in natural resources, but its young people are struggling with low wages. If we can’t change federal policy, then we need other ways to boost their incomes,” he said.

He wants the state to roll out incentives for businesses that pay higher wages and invest in sectors that generate better-paying jobs.

Infrastructure, high-speed internet, and innovation hubs must also be a priority if Sabah wants to stay competitive, he said.

“This isn’t just about pay—it’s about the future of our youth. We need action now,” he said. –  March 11, 2025