Jobs don't drop from the sky #3

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This is Nina from Teluk Kumbar, Penang. Young and intelligent, graduated with a degree in agricultural science.

The job market was bad when she came out from university. Instead of a permanent position near home, she had to do contract work at Putrajaya, far from home.

When her father was hospitalised, Nina had to leave her job to return to Penang, to be close to her family.

Fortunately at that time, the Penang South Reclamation (PSR) project, launched by the Penang State Government, had job openings. Nina applied and was hired.

This is her first permanent position.

With better salary, Nina can now help to shoulder some of the financial burden of her family and have more savings.

"Sekarang save a lot," she said.

Nina told me that there are currently more than 800 job applications to work in PSR. Yes, 800!

Unlike those rich spokepersons of Penang Forum, many people are actually looking for jobs.

Previously, Nina objected against the PSR too. But after her own experience of working in the project and seeing the potential jobs that PSR can generate, she now thinks that the critics of PSR must learn to see the bigger picture.

"PSR can create a lot of jobs. More jobs after reclamation started, even more after it is completed. Penangites who want to stay near their family, not wanting to move out from Penang to make a living, can apply for jobs in PSR."

Nina continued, "Those affected by the pandemic, got terminated, they can also apply."

If the PSR is cancelled, all the potential new jobs will not exist.

And Nina will lose her permanent position.

Note: This 'Jobs don't drop from the sky' series uncovers real life stories of how actual Penangites from all walks of life are benefiting from the Penang South Reclamation project.

#1 : Abang Sam (former fisherman)

#2 : Pakcik Ismail & Mat (former fishermen)

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