Klias constituency struggles with young worker shortage in agriculture sector despite peatland potential for sago, livestock and ecotourism development.
BEAUFORT: The Klias constituency has extensive peatland areas suitable for various commercial crops, such as sago, and also holds strong potential for livestock breeding, including poultry and cattle.
However, the most pressing challenge hindering the full development of the agricultural sector is the shortage of young workers.
According to incumbent Klias Assemblyman and Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) candidate Datuk Isnin Aliasnih @ Liasnih, the tendency of local youth to migrate to urban areas in search of permanent employment has caused a growing labour gap in the sector.
ALSO READ: Rain fails to disrupt early voting in Sabah state election
As a result, many oil palm plantations and livestock operations in Klias still rely heavily on workers from outside the constituency, despite the sector’s potential to generate significant income for local communities.
To address this, Isnin intends to prioritise human capital development through agricultural and livestock training programmes, continuous guidance and targeted assistance.
He hopes these efforts will encourage more youths to cultivate their family land, should he be given a renewed mandate in the 17th Sabah State Election on Nov 29.
“If more young people get involved, Klias’ agricultural sector can grow into a key driver of a stable local economy.
“The same applies to livestock farming. We have a shortage of meat and poultry. Much of our supply is sourced from outside Sabah, so I urge our youth to venture into this field,” he said in an exclusive interview with Bernama.
Beyond agriculture, Klias also has strong potential as a nature-based ecotourism destination – thanks to its population of proboscis monkeys, fireflies and its rich mangrove forest.
This natural uniqueness makes it an attractive location for river-based tourism and paves the way for the development of supporting industries such as homestays and handicrafts.
However, Isnin stressed that environmental conservation must go hand in hand with tourism growth to ensure that wildlife habitats remain protected.
In his next five-year plan, he aims to strengthen the protection of natural habitats by enhancing monitoring efforts in collaboration with various agencies.
On basic infrastructure, Isnin said several major routes in Klias will be upgraded to improve connectivity and support the expansion of agriculture and tourism activities.
He added that the water and electricity supply in the constituency is currently satisfactory, although further improvements will be made as needed.
“Throughout my term, many of the initiatives I planned were successfully implemented, including efforts to make Klias a zero-poverty area by increasing household income and introducing housing initiatives such as the Rumah Mesra Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ).
“However, there are still many things we have not been able to accomplish, and that is why we need continued support,” he said.
N32: KLIAS: SABAH: 22,277
1. Mohd Ariffin Barhim (KDM)
2. Edwin Louis (Independent)
3. Jismit Japong (PKS)
4. Mohammad Hisyam Hazaril (PN-Bersatu)
5. Kaliwon Edi (PPRS)
6. Mohd Shaid Othman (Warisan)
7. Matlani Sabli (PIS)
8. Datuk Isnin Aliasnih @ Liasnih (GRS-Gagasan Rakyat)
9. Osin Jilon (BN-UMNO)
(2020: Isnin Aliasnih: PN-Bersatu: Maj: 3,901) – Bernama
