Sabah youth want 2027 Budget allocations translated into tangible benefits

KOTA KINABALU: The increase in federal allocations for Sabah to RM18.7 billion in the 2027 Budget, from RM17.6 billion the previous year, was an important step towards narrowing regional development gaps, the Sabah Youth Council (MBS) said.

Its president, Abqaree Fawwaz Abekan, said the budget's success should be measured not only by allocations, but also by tangible improvements in young people's lives.

"For Sabah's youth, the real measure of development is how far it creates job opportunities, raises incomes and expands access to education and a better quality of life.

"We want development to translate into better social mobility, giving young Sabahans equal opportunities to build their future regardless of geography and gaps in facilities," he said in a statement.

On the planned increase in the minimum wage to RM2,000 from June 2027, Abqaree said the move should be supported by quality job creation and higher productivity.

He said young Sabahans needed not just employment, but also jobs offering competitive salaries, career security and opportunities to upgrade their skills.

"We do not want young people to leave Sabah just to find jobs that match their qualifications. Investments and industrial development must also create high-value employment opportunities in the state," he said.

On education and skills development, MBS highlighted the RM8 billion allocation for technical and vocational education and training (TVET) and the target of creating 30,000 training and quality employment opportunities through the Bakat Madani initiative.

Abqaree said these initiatives should strengthen youth employability in technology, energy, tourism, modern agriculture and other high-potential industries.

He called for training opportunities to be extended beyond urban centres to young people in Sabah's districts and interior areas.

"Skills training must be linked directly to industry needs. We need to move from producing training participants to developing skilled workers who have real value in the job market," he said.

MBS also welcomed the increase in FLYsiswa flight assistance from RM400 to RM500 and the decision to double Public Service Department scholarship offers for natives of Sabah and Sarawak, providing 4,200 opportunities annually for both states.

"For young Sabahans, air travel is not a luxury, but a necessity for education, employment and maintaining family ties.

"Flight assistance should be accompanied by long-term solutions to make travel between regions more affordable," he said.