From free education, completed mega projects and ongoing ventures, I honestly admire to how far Sarawak has progressed growing up. Especially gaining more attention & public opinions from both the West Malaysia and far East Malaysia and at times, internationally.

However, I fear that I don’t think I can contribute career wise towards this state given the current rate that the working class make. I know a someone personally in Kuching that’s in a senior executive position—in a really known company, that’s almost retiring and still gets paid ridiculously low despite the workload and position—so low, that their family is eligible for bursary and financial aids.

My friends have been applying to jobs for semester breaks but only go far as job interviews without getting hired. When I was in KL, I got hired for my 2nd time application and able to live comfortably in a studio home back in 2024. And splurge myself from time to time and I applied without prior working experiences. Literally out of secondary school, after a few months break.

I have had a job interview in Kuching but employers would make me feel like I’m a bad person for wanting a liveable salary higher than low wages. Maybe not explicitly saying it but they tried so hard to lowball my value by making me feel spoiled or something.

Also I really hate the excuse of ‘business not doing well’ these employers make justifying why my friend should be payed less than minimum wage for 7 years and half of that wage starting college (full grown adult btw).

I eventually lower my expectations and accepting a part time job that pays RM50/day without complaining because I really needed money at that time. But this just puts me in a cognitive dissonance. Honestly I feel awful and I don’t think I want to be here anymore. I don’t even have any loans or commitments yet adding to that (Not that I plan to do so).

Do you think employers genuinely lowball local employees? Because from what I’ve been noticing, I have international friends that get’s hired and get treated fairly literally where I came from.

Don’t get me wrong, I LOOOVE Sarawak to the moon and back but if this is how my life is going to be then, I don’t think it’s worth it to stay. Even though I desperately want to build a life here.

And I’m not just talking about myself. I understand a little bit of economy and just wonder of the broader implications—if everybody feels the same and how it impacts the overall situation for Sarawakians looking for a better future in the same breath of the state sustaining their local talents.

This is currently how I feel. Because I have no one to say this to it’s either they invalidate my experiences or make me feel like I’m just entitled and opinionated or both. I just hope someone can read this and respond in a new light. Im really not in the right headspace just thinking about this.

Fresh Graduate Struggles

Hi everyone. I'm a graduate from the UM who recently returned to Kuching and have been looking for opportunities in PR, Corporate Communications, and related communication roles.

To be honest, I'm disappointed by the current job market in Kuching. Many entry-level positions for degree holders are offering salaries of only RM2,000+, and I struggle to understand how this has become the norm.

During my time in KL, I earned around the same amount working part-time at a café. It makes it difficult to accept a similar salary for a full-time graduate position that requires a bachelor's degree and professional responsibilities.

I've attended several career fairs, and many employers mentioned budgets of below RM3,000 for fresh graduates. At the same time, while working in KL, I met many full-time café employees,both Malaysians and foreigners with SPM, STPM, or pre-university qualifications who were earning around RM2,200+ per month.

The contrast is striking. In Kuching, some degree-level positions are offering RM1,700 to RM2,300, which raises serious concerns about how graduate talent is being valued.

If salaries and career progression remain stagnant, I genuinely worry that Sarawak will continue to experience brain drain. Although initiatives such as education assistance are commendable, retaining graduates also requires competitive wages, meaningful career opportunities, and a hiring culture based on merit rather than connections.

I sincerely hope things improve because I would love to build my career in Sarawak but at the moment, it's becoming increasingly difficult to justify staying.

Hi everyone,

We are Glem.ai an AI Orchestration Platform built by Sarawakian :)

This is a hot new role - we are looking for a Project Manager to handle multiple AI projects in Samalaju Industrial Site.

Please help to share this jobs post to your friends or family members that could be a fit.

The offer:
RM4k-RM5.5k is the basic salary for a junior/mid role with 2 years of project management/ operations/ implementation experience. Mileage reimbursement will be provided.

For more info, please visit Project Manager (Bintulu) Job in Bintulu, Sarawak - Jobstreet

Thank you. ^^

Something more optimistic and specific. Specifically the people who:

• Wanted to work in Sarawak (gov service, local SMEs, etc) but couldn't find anything here (got no cable, etc), so you're now in KL, Penang, etc. Probably the most common group, I think.
• Got rejected by local SMEs, gov and GLCs, so you had no choice but start your own business or company. May or may not be in Sarawak, the point is you started the business because you were rejected locally.
• Couldn't get a job locally, so now you're working remotely for oversea companies, utilizing your talent elsewhere. May or may not be staying in Sarawak.

I think you get the gist. Basically people who want to "contribute" and "take part" in the local ecosystem or organizations, but didn't get any chance, and are now making your fortune elsewhere for non-Sarawakian entities.

Just wanna know how you guys are doing? What do you do? How did you get there? What are your next moves?

Recently applied for a part time job, the employer offered me a salary of RM 6.50 per hour during training, after training he said he was gonna offer me RM7-7.50 per hour. I was quite shocked cause I'm pretty sure the minimum wage is like RM 8.72 per hour before all those deduction like SOSCO, so I asked him if the RM 7-7.50 per hour already included deduction, he then told me, that's before deduction and it's the base pay rate. I'm pretty sure I'm getting scammed right? Or is this normal

Sorry if I did not phrase this properly, my phone's about to die

Hi everyone,

I’m currently a Mechanical Engineering undergraduate nearing graduation, and I’m at a crossroads regarding where to kick off my career. As a Sarawakian, my long-term goal is definitely to build a life back home, but I want to make the most strategic move for my first 2–5 years.

I’m weighing the pros and cons between starting out in Peninsular Malaysia (Klang Valley / Penang / Johor) versus coming straight back to Sarawak (Kuching / Bintulu / Miri), and I’d love to hear from practicing engineers, HR professionals, or anyone who has walked this path.

Here are the main areas I'm trying to evaluate:

1. Starting Salary & Real Compensation

What is the realistic starting pay range for fresh ME grads in Sarawak compared to Peninsular?

For Kuching (specifically high-tech manufacturing/semiconductor hubs like Samajaya): How do starting packages and yearly increments compare once you factor in local cost of living?

In O&G/heavy industries in Bintulu/Miri, are fresh grad engineering roles accessible without prior full-time experience?

1. Job Market & Technical Exposure

In Sarawak: Beyond O&G and Samajaya (e.g., X-FAB, Melexis, Taiyo Yuden, etc.), how diverse is the mechanical engineering landscape (consultancy, automation, utilities, plant maintenance)?

In Peninsular: The volume of design, automotive, R&D, and precision manufacturing roles in Penang/Klang Valley seems larger. Is the breadth of technical exposure significantly wider during the early career stages?

1. Long-Term Career Growth & Mobility

Is there a real advantage to gaining 2–3 years of experience in West Malaysia or MNCs before returning home? Does Sarawak industry value that "Semenanjung experience," or is it better to establish your local network and seniority early on?

How is the skill ceiling and lateral mobility in Sarawak if you ever want to switch companies or sub-sectors down the line?

1. Cost of Living vs. Quality of Life

Rent and food in KL/Penang vs. living in Kuching/Bintulu.

For those who stayed in Peninsular vs. those who returned immediately: Looking back, do you feel your choice was worth it financially and mentally?

Questions for the community:

If you're a mechanical engineer working in Sarawak (or recently returned), what was your career trajectory?

Which specific companies or sub-sectors in Sarawak would you recommend a fresh ME grad keep an eye on?

Any red flags or common misconceptions fresh grads have about the engineering market in Sarawak?

Any advice, insights, or brutal honesty would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance!

Does the final year elective subjects have any significant impact on the industry that we can join after graduation?

TL;DR: Sarawakian Mech Eng fresh grad deciding whether to start working in Semenanjung (Penang/KL) or return home (Samajaya semiconductors, Bintulu O&G, etc.). Looking for advice on starting salary, learning curve, career ceiling, and whether gaining West Malaysia experience first is worth it.

For people working in office What do you need to buy and why? How much did you spent just to work?

Summarized content (Facebook, reddit)

People mostly buy comfort and productivity items like laptops accessories, chargers, USB-C cables, keyboard/mouse, laptop stands, desk lamps, fans, and small office setup upgrades. Clothing is another major cost (work shirts, pants, shoes), along with daily-use items like lunch boxes, utensils, coffee, and stationery.

A significant portion also goes to health-related items such as Panadol, flu/cough medicine, vitamins, and supplements, often because of cold office environments (especially strong air-conditioning). Some users mention keeping medicines at work due to frequent discomfort or illness.

Several comments highlight that companies sometimes allow claims (petrol, medicine, sometimes equipment), but restrictions on claiming “personal” items or stationery have tightened over time.

There is also a broader issue with how workspace allocation and office conditions are managed. In some cases, seating arrangements and environmental settings are decided without considering individual comfort or long-term health impact. When concerns are raised, the response tends to be procedural rather than practical, with limited flexibility for adjustments. Over time, this creates a situation where employees end up compensating with personal expenses just to maintain basic comfort and productivity at work.

Companies mentioned (Guessed): Shell, Petros, SAINS, SEB

Overall sentiment: office work often comes with hidden personal expenses, and many people gradually spend money to make their workspace more comfortable, survivable, and tolerable rather than just functional.

Hai! If you have read my previous posts, you will know how long I have lived here.

Anyway, let me set the scene.

Who are considered foreign students?

1. Students from West Malaysia studying in Sarawak

2. Students from outside Malaysia studying in Sarawak

(Refer to Jabatan Imigresen Sarawak for this)

Here are the key words - Jabatan Imigresen (Immigration Department), Jabatan Tenaga Kerja (Department of Labor, or may be known as Department of Labor and Industries (LNI) in certain countries).

We all know, education costs money. To get money, one must have a j*b. It's a pretty simple concept that hopefully everyone can understand.

But legally, can people under the student visa work? According to Section 119 of Sarawak Labor Ordinance (Cap. 76), employers must obtain a Non-Resident Employee Employment License from Sarawak Director of Labor. This means you need an actual work permit to legally work within Sarawak regardless of what industry. This category covers manual workers (any wage level) and non-manual workers earning up to RM2.5k monthly (Refer to JTK Sarawak for more info).

----

So, what are the risks for both employers and employees should an employee was hired without a visa?

For employers, you can be fined for up to RM50k or 1-year imprisonment or both.

For employees, you can be exploited. Be advised, I have consulted JTK Sarawak thrice about this issue relating to two different companies. I am speaking from experience.

"Exploited? How so?"

Because while everyone has the rights to make complaints to Jabatan Tenaga Kerja Sarawak, since you are working illegally, what you can do might be limited and might be bring trouble to yourself instead. You can proceed, but chances of you prevailing is very slim.

With this information, laborers can do stuff like not properly paying you, having you work more than 12 hours (Sarawak Labor Ordinance limits work time to be no more than 12 hours. If you work 12 hours, that's 8 hours of normal working time and 4 hours of overtime), or in the worst case scenario... Termination without cause or notice.

Very important tip for everyone in general! :

1. Ask your employers for your offer letter, they are required to give you a copy of your offer letter within 1 month of employent - according to the JTK officer I consulted

2. Keep your attendance recorded at all times. Take pictures of your attendance or card, keep it in your Google Drive.

3. Always ask for pay slips, this is mandatory under SLO.

4. Always get EPF and SOCSO deductions. If you are a part-timer, consult your local JTK office, as EPF and SOCSO for part-timers are a bit... Opionated...

Part-timer is clearly defined in Sarawak Labor Ordinance. Part-timer is someone who work not exceeding 30 hours by default. Please check JTK Sarawak website as this information may be outdated.

5. Take note of your monthly default pay which may be stated in your offer letter. This will be important for you during claiming processes.

So, protect yourself, try deal with the immigration office to get your visa for cheap, and don't put yourself at risk. We work to live, not live to work. I am a Gen Z too, and I wish to see other Gen Zs stay safe and be well.

Hello there, we are a construction company that wanna start to open rnd tech department so wanna hire around 2-3 tech interns to start developing ai product that could aid our company.

minimum requirement (Least)

Python

proficiency with github/gitlab

Docker

With increasing unemployment in Sarawak, how many of you seeking hunting for West Peninsular job? Any good opportunity ? I mean does it easier for you to grab 1 job? I mean the period of you hunting there till you finally land one of it. Just sharing here pls 👌 thanks

Hi everyone, I’m an SPM graduate currently looking for a stable job/career in Kuching. I recently worked part-time in hotel housekeeping, but I’m now urgently looking for a more permanent opportunity.

I’ve already applied to MR DIY and would really appreciate any HR contact, referral, branch manager contact, or advice on how to improve my chances of getting hired.

I’m willing to learn, can start as soon as possible, and am mainly interested in store/retail positions.

Any help from fellow Sarawakians would mean a lot. 🙏

Like seriously, I wonder how?

Please pick, the period you're unemployed

👉 A = more than 6 months

👉 B = more than 1 year

👉 C = nearly 2 year

How are you coping for during this unemployment period, what are the odd job that kept U afloat ??

Let's say u have commitment , how are u founding ways to cover this ??

1) Car

2) House

Sell ?? Or ask family members to pay it for u?? Or

.

Question from a recruiting agency 😎👌🏻

Hii everyone! I wanna ask if anyone knows where I can intern as a diploma in chemical engineering to complete my studies. I did some research tapi macam kurang jak open in Kuching (or I just donno how to carik)😔🙏🏻

Just went through the traumatising kkm placement for ho and unfortunately did not get the hospital i wanted (out of my top 5 choices, only 1 choice was available and it was my 4th choice) and end up deferring.

Locking in on SGH next time, anyone might have insider info on how many hos they still need? Or any news that Hospital Bintulu / Miri / Sibu might be opening up?

For anyone who's sponsored by YS under the BYSTT scholarship, may I know if I can work with a global company? Even if the company has offices in Sarawak? I'm taking engineering courses and will be graduating soon. Some of the company that was applied to are Shell, Western Digital, and Schlumberger. I did apply to some local companies, but I wanted to keep my selection wide in case I did not secure any jobs in the future. Thanks in advance!

hi, can I know how long does petros kuching take to reply after an interview for the finance department?

Under FTES, tuition fees are fully covered for undergraduate degree programs across priority sectors—including Medical / Health Sciences, STEM, Law, Finance, and Accounting.

I was thinking a career change, something that could actually serve the people and not just capitalism.

I always had a love of STEM and was considering moving back.

I would happily bond myself to the deepest parts of Sarawak to serve.

Part of me cannot take the rat race anymore.

I need to serve our people.

So, I'm ex stpm, i got reject by my parents after i got my upu results as my parents unknown not familiar with the course, negative on my degree journey cuz they say outside of course like common course like doctor teacher lawyer anything will end up still working with basic gaji. Not clever like my elder sister result but not really that bad. Yah, I'm still grieve to my course. But i really wanted to get out of home. So I'm choose free education tvet under yayasan sarawak just to out of home, but with reasonable course. Idk if get burnout or not at first i introduce to my parents wanna be take hair&design since rn take lot of time on kind lost of journey, also my cousin also hairdresser almost 10 years already, but actually this course kinda out of my plan, but I'm also don't wanna take too heavy stem course on tvet or kinda too misogyny course in work environment later. So, if there's any course you guys suggest as sarawakian or any course do better job market in sarawak. Maybe after graduate i wanna left my city but not states. (Fyi, i know salon every wear on gawai kinda got many untung from cust buat rambut but idk I'm half confident with the course)

I've been looking for muslim friendly part-time jobs for my current semester break and interviews and resume submissions have been rejected or full. Probably has to do with the fact that it's a 2 month semester break but it's quite difficult

SDEC’s DiVA & SaSAR programs offer up to RM150k in seed funding plus AWS credits to help local tech startups get off the ground.

Has anyone here gone through these cohorts? How smooth is the validation/grant process for local SaaS and dev teams?

Hi everyone, I’m currently looking for a low entry-level job around Kuching.

I have SPM + vocational education (Interior Draughtsman) and some experience working in hotel housekeeping. I’m open to different types of work, including:

• Retail / shop assistant
• Hotel / housekeeping
• Warehouse / store assistant
• Convenience store
• Customer service
• General assistant
• Other entry-level positions

I’m willing to learn and can start work relatively soon. Preferably looking for something around Kuching / Tabuan / Pending / nearby areas.

If anyone knows of companies currently hiring or has any recommendations, I’d really appreciate it. Feel free to comment or DM me.

Thank you! 🙏

Hii i found my old digicam which was the Sony DSC-WX500 that i bought like 10 years ago literally in 2016. But I found that the flash cannot be used but the rest of the features of the camera is still in good shape. Does anyone know any shops that can help fix old digicams? cause I went to the one belakang Plaza Merdeka and they said they couldn’t fit it :(

Hi everyone, I’m currently a student at Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak and I’m looking for realistic ways to earn some extra money while studying.
I’m still in my study weeks, so I need something flexible that won’t completely mess up my classes and assignments.I have a background in electronics and some experience with technical work, broadcasting, video editing, and basic event production.
I’m open to:
Part-time jobs on weekends
Freelance or remote work
Video editing
Tutoring
Event crew or technical work
Any other flexible side gigs that are actually realistic for a student in Kuching
For students in Sarawak or Malaysia, what have you personally done that actually worked? Where did you find the job or clients?
I’m not looking for “get rich quick” schemes. I just want something legitimate that I can realistically manage alongside university.
Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!