Kota Kinabalu: Balung Assemblyman Syed Ahmad Syed Abas hopes the additional RM1.6 billion allocation under the Supplementary Supply Bill 2026 will help attract investors to set up factories in his constituency to create more jobs for locals.
He said many youths in Balung with diploma, degree and postgraduate qualifications remained unemployed due to limited job opportunities in Sabah, forcing some to leave their hometowns to seek employment in Peninsular Malaysia.
Speaking during the Sabah State Legislative Assembly sitting on Monday, he said improved electricity and water supply infrastructure could help attract investors to establish factories in Balung, with each factory potentially creating thousands of job opportunities.
Syed Ahmad said industrial development could reduce unemployment, prevent youth migration and stimulate the local economy, while also urging the Government to consider increasing daily wage rates for part-time daily workers (PSH) to help them cope with rising living costs.
He also proposed the establishment of a mini zoo in Balung as a tourism attraction and a solution to monkey disturbances in Kampung Balung Cocos, where residents claimed the animals had damaged homes and property.
