TAWAU: The State Government will intensify efforts to provide new economic resources and employment opportunities across Sabah, including the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (Esszone), to help residents generate income and tackle unemployment.
Youth, Sports and Creative Economy Minister Datuk Nizam Abu Bakar Titingan said this when noting that Sabah continues to record the country's highest unemployment rate despite lowering it from 7.6 per cent in 2024 to 7.2 per cent in 2025, according to the Department of Statistics Malaysia (Dosm) Labour Force Survey Report.
His opening speech was delivered by Balung assemblyman Syed Ahmad Syed Abas at the Esszone Gigpreneur, Economy and Career (Gek) Carnival at the Tawau Community Hall on Saturday.
Nizam highlighted that Sabah's economy grew by 5.1 per cent in 2025 with a Gross Domestic Product of RM88.8 billion, emphasising that this growth must translate into tangible jobs, income, and business opportunities for the people.
He added that his ministry remains committed to expanding job pathways and youth entrepreneurship, noting that the Sabah Youth Entrepreneur Scheme (Syabas) has channelled RM21 million to 6,951 youths since its inception in 2022.
