KOTA KINABALU: Sabah should consider the United Nations (UN) suggestion to tap into managing immigrants as a workforce.
Last week, the UN suggested that Sabah look into managing the large presence of immigrants in the state, which could be useful for transforming the state.
State Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Minister Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe said the issue could be very sensitive.
Still, he said there is a gravity of the situation regarding workforce shortage for industrialisation.
He added that the people of Sabah should consider the UN's suggestion, given the shortage of labour in the plantation area and the latest two mega factories of foreign companies here.
Phoong, the Luyang assemblyman, said what the international observers said about managing the immigrants makes sense.
"My stand is always on how the UN makes the call. The state and previous governments wanted to do the same thing.
"It is high time to look into it as an alternative to hiring foreign labourers as official workers. We must look at the situation comprehensively.
"The government as a whole, including the opposition, should be bipartisan to look into this and create a way forward.
"It should be resolved and form consensus because the gravity of the issue is too high. This issue has been politicised every time," he told the media during a Chinese New Year luncheon here.
Phoong said that as the government is looking into sourcing foreign labourers, stakeholders should also consider down streaming their crops and utilising automation.
Phoong also said the demographic in Sabah is unique as there is more than 50 per cent of the population younger than 40, as well as non-citizens.
"Now, the government is promoting industrialisation to create high- and mid-skill jobs that pay well so that young people can see the importance of education and training for a better life."
