KOTA KINABALU: Sabah’s unemployment rate dropped to 6.2pc in Q2 2025, the lowest since COVID-19 and matching the 6.1pc recorded in Q2 2019, according to the Department of Statistics.
The rate fell from 6.7pc in Q1 2025, with jobless numbers declining from 144,500 in early 2024 to 120,300, lower than pre-pandemic levels.
“This proves that job opportunities are increasing, particularly due to rapid industrial growth in recent years,” said Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Minister Phoong Jin Zhe.
window.googletag = window.googletag || {cmd: []};googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.defineSlot('/22826383987/dailyexpress_inline', [1, 1], 'gpt-passback').addService(googletag.pubads());googletag.enableServices();googletag.display('gpt-passback');});“Large investments from local factories and foreign investors have directly created jobs for Sabah’s youth".
He noted that Sabah’s employed population grew by nearly 150,000 in 18 months, the second highest increase in Malaysia after Selangor.
However, Phoong acknowledged that Sabah still records the highest unemployment rate in the country and stressed that sustained efforts are needed.
“I will not be satisfied or stop here. I will continue, step by step, until the people can see real change,” he said.
