KDM Malaysia Organization

The State Government has been urged to generate new resources so as to create new employment opportunities for the people in order to stem the migration of Sabah youths elsewhere.

KDM Malaysia Vice President cum Director of Operations, Datuk Peter Anthony, said while human migration is normal all over the world, the Government should strive to achieve creating new resources.

"Migration is among the impacts created by globalisation.

It happens not only in Sabah but all over the world," he said at the KDM Malaysia Youth Sports Carnival closing and prize presentation in Kampung Sugud.

According to him, many Sabah KDMs migrated to Kuala Lumpur due to the sluggish economy in Sabah.

He said there are about 30,000 Sabahans living in Klang Valley and Johor alone, not counting KDMs in Singapore and other states in the country.

The figure, he said, shows the low employment opportunities in the State that causes the people to migrate in search of employment.

On the other hand, KDM Malaysia President Datuk John Ambrose said Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein should take action against employment agencies which abuse their role.

He said many Kadazan, Dusun and Muruts who were recruited by these agencies have had their passports and identity cards taken by them, purportedly, as a "guarantee or collateral" should these KDM employees decide to pursue other employment opportunities.

Many KDMs also have been cheated by the employment agencies, he said.

"I personally know one or two cases involving KDM people who have been cheated," he said.

He said KDM Malaysia would strive to help these people get help or at least, if they wish to return home, to finance their tickets.

Ambrose said if the Home Ministry does not take action against the errant employment agencies, more Sabahans especially KDMs would be victimised.

On other developments, Peter said the people, including organisations' leaders, should not misunderstand political ideology and welfare.

"Irrespective of the people's political alliance, it is not a hindrance to us to assist our people. We should not be arrogant and forget about those who need our help. Wealth is only temporary but our personality will last," he said.

In this respect, he said KDM Malaysia's role in welfare is to help the poor.

He said it is still not too late for the organisation to assist the KDMs to improve their lives through any forms or efforts especially opportunities from the State and Federal Governments.

He again assured that KDM Malaysia would become a liaison between the people and the Government in order to help the people achieve their aspirations.

Also present were organising chairman Patrick Vinson Lojion, Secretary General Michael Ubu and Youth Chief Henry Soimpon.

Sources: Daily Express Sabah