Paid ‘extreme poverty wage’ doing a 3D job
KOTA KINABALU: Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Tawfiq Abu Bakar Titingan said that the youth in the country were willing to take on dirty, dangerous and difficult (3D) jobs as long as their paycheck commensurate with the work done.
“I admit that there are not many youth interested in doing the 3D jobs. However, it is not because they do not want to do it, they are willing to do it, but the problem is employers are not giving them salary that matches with the work done,” he said in a press conference after launching Youth Talent Festival 2016 at University College Sabah Foundation (UCSF) here yesterday. He shared his recent experience of meeting a youth, who was working in the construction sector, in Tawau, who had asked him (Tawfiq) for financial aid as he (the youth) was only paid RM600 per month, well below the extreme poverty line.
Thus, Tawfiq called upon employers to pay working youth at least the minimum stipulated wage in Malaysia, even though the employers wanted their business to survive and reduce cost.
“The salary is very, very low and this has caused the youth to think that 3D jobs are not worth to work for. In the petroleum sector, there are many youth who have proper training required in the industry willing to get their hands dirty with their jobs, which is in the 3D job category, because they could earn enough wages of up to RM4,000-RM5,000 per month.”
“Our youth are not lazy. We have to take into account their feelings and let us give them salary that matches with their work,” he added.
Praising the students from the Faculty of Management and Entrepreneurship of UCSF for organising the event in collaboration with Pertubuhan Gagasan Sukarelawan Negeri Sabah (PENGASAS), Tawfiq said that the event was an opportunity for the youth to showcase their talent in various fields.
In the programmes of singing, dancing and magic trick competition, he also said that their talents were not only entertaining people, but were also able to generate income as well, if properly trained.
“The ministry always supports this kind of programme. This is one of the programmes to expose the youth to management, organizing and finding funds.”
“...We want the young generations to get involved in associations, clubs and doing youth friendly activities. Thus, elements of understanding, awareness on the role of youth and the importance of practising a healthy lifestyle can be inserted,” he said.
Tawfiq urged the youth to add their own values not only to education which they could get at higher learning institutions but also through exposed activities.
For those who do not get to enroll themselves for higher learning education, Tawfiq encouraged them to take up opportunities by participating in skill based courses provided by the government as well as offered in the private sector.
“Taking these courses would increase the youth’s marketability in getting a better job. In addition to that, they can also start their own business for a better income.
Meanwhile, Vice Chancellor of UCSF Prof Datuk Dr Mohamed Ghazali Ismail said that UCSF was now offering short skill courses in photography and animation.
He said that the course would open an opportunity for youth, who are unable to attend higher educational learning, to have a potential in getting a job in the field as well as to start their own business. The minimum requirement is Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia certificate only.
Also present were Permanent Secretary of Youth and Sports Ministry Awang Damit Awang Anak, Director of Youth Talent Festival 2016 program Azizul Azhari Rosaidy and heads of departments and agencies.