SIBU: NGO International President, Datuk Dr Mustapha Ahmad Marican, has called for closer cooperation between the Sarawak Government and the Ministry of Human Resources to create more employment opportunities for Sarawakians in Peninsular Malaysia.
Speaking at a press conference today, he said there were many vacancies in the private sector, particularly in logistics and e-commerce companies, which could be filled by Sarawakian job seekers.
“There are many vacancies in logistics companies such as J&T and at e-commerce companies like Shopee, as well as at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA). Based on feedback from my colleagues, these employers are actively looking for workers,” he said.
Mustapha said Sarawakians were well suited for such positions because they shared the same language, culture and values as other Malaysians, making it easier for them to integrate into the workforce.
“I hope more opportunities will be made available so that Sarawakians can contribute across the country,” he added.
He also urged the government to give greater priority to employing locals in the private sector instead of relying heavily on foreign workers.
Mustapha said this in response to a statement made by Minister of Communication, Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, on June 26 that a Cabinet committee meeting on foreign workers, including those in the food and beverage (F&B) sector, will be held in early July to be chaired by Deputy Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
Fahmi said the Cabinet meeting was to look into issues related to foreign workers that can be managed and resolved comprehensively.
It was also to look into labour shortage faced by industries.
On another matter, Mustapha appealed to the Sarawak Government to recognise former soldiers and police officers who served during the Rajang Area Security Command (RASCOM) era and continue to reside in the state.
He said many of them, including those originally from Peninsular Malaysia, had remained in Sarawak after their service, raised their families here, and contributed to the state’s development.
“I am appealing not only on behalf of the people of Sarawak, but also for those from Peninsular Malaysia who came here to serve, especially members of the armed forces and the police.
“They served during the RASCOM era and the Emergency period. They settled in Sarawak, raised their families here, and their children are now Sarawakians.
“I hope the Sarawak Government will consider recognising their contributions. I am not asking for a large amount of money, but rather a meaningful token of appreciation for their service,” he said.
Earlier today, Mustapha visited a 56-door longhouse at Mile 8, Jalan Oya, where many retired soldiers and former police officers now live.
He expressed satisfaction at seeing the residents enjoying better living conditions compared to the past.
“This was my first visit to a longhouse in many years. Previously, many longhouses were in poor condition and residents lived in poverty. Today, I was pleasantly surprised to see modern facilities and much better living conditions,” he said.
Mustapha also commended the Sarawak Government for its investment in rural infrastructure, saying the improvements had transformed the quality of life for rural communities.
Reflecting on his journey from Mukah through Oya and Dalat, he said he was impressed by the extensive development, including well-maintained roads, new bridges and improved connectivity to Sibu.
“Although some areas still rely on ferry services, the infrastructure has improved tremendously compared to the past. These developments deserve recognition, and I commend the Premier of Sarawak for his leadership,” he said.
Also present at the press conference was former president of Malaysia Armed Forces Veterans Association Sarawak, Thomas Ling.
