GRS candidate Masidi Manjun focuses on youth employability through reskilling and improving agricultural road networks in Karanaan’s development plan
RANAU: Enhancing youth employability through reskilling and upskilling will be a key priority for Gabungan Rakyat Sabah candidate Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun in Karanaan.
The incumbent said today’s competitive job market requires youth to develop new competencies and value-added skills.
“The world has changed. Ten years ago, it was easier to find work. Today’s job market is highly competitive, so I want to emphasise reskilling to improve our youth’s employability,” he told Bernama.
Masidi noted that not all young people wish to remain in Ranau or continue working in agriculture.
He stressed that moving elsewhere without necessary skills makes securing employment more difficult.
The 74-year-old also underlined the need to improve basic infrastructure in Karanaan.
He specifically highlighted road networks linking agricultural areas and remote villages as crucial.
The Sabah Finance Minister said farmers work hard but poor road access prevents their produce from reaching markets efficiently.
“Roads are crucial for marketing agricultural products. If they cannot reach buyers, their efforts are wasted and poverty persists,” he said.
Masidi added that Ranau’s economy has strong tourism potential.
This includes developing higher-value products, expanding homestays and strengthening Kundasang attractions.
He expressed hope the state election campaign would remain harmonious.
Masidi reminded campaign workers, especially those from outside Sabah, to respect local sensitivities and cultural norms.
“Ranau people are gentle and interfaith relations here are warm, so we must preserve that harmony,” he said.
Political differences should not undermine unity, he added.
The Election Commission set November 29 as polling day for the Sabah state election. – Bernama
