Beware of dubious job, business offers, S’wak youth entrepreneurs advised

MIRI (Feb 14): State Deputy Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Datuk Dr Ripin Lamat has reminded participants of the Sarawak Youth StartUp (SYStartUP) programme to not be easily deceived by contract job offers or business partnerships without written agreements.

When officiating at the SYStartUP Northern Zone 2026 ‘Meet & Greet’ programme here, the Lambir assemblyman said there have been cases among Cohort 1 participants who fell victim to scams, including losses amounting to hundreds of thousands of ringgit.

“I would like to remind participants not to be deceived when receiving contract job offers, partnerships without black-and-white agreements, or dubious consultancy services.

“We have also found cases of participants impersonating ‘fake consultants’ for documentation and licensing matters.

“If there are any offers, please refer to the ministry first before making any decision.

“Do not wait until you become a victim before seeking advice,” he said.

Ripin revealed that one participant reportedly suffered losses up to RM500,000 related to a construction licence application.

“Such cases occurred among Cohort 1 participants, while for Cohort 2, no reports have been received so far.

“If there are friends offering services such as development contract work, consultancy or licensing matters, please inform the ministry so that we can provide advice.

“Sometimes the ministry’s name is also used to convince victims,” he added.

Ripin also advised participants to be cautious of business offers that might appear too easy, or ‘too good to be true’.

“If possible, inform ‘Beloya2u’ or the ministry’s office for further verification.

“We are able to conduct background checks; in fact, we have found individuals with records of fraud.

“Most importantly, we want to prevent losses and ensure participants do not fall victim to scams, especially those who are new and excited about starting a business,” he stressed.

On the programme, Ripin said it was an official engagement session organised by the ministry as a continuous support for SYStartUP Cohorts 1 and Cohort 2 participants.

More than 50 SYStartUP alumni attended the programme, which aimed to monitor participants’ business progress, identify challenges faced and seek solutions collectively.

In addition, the programme strengthened networking among participants, mentors, government agencies and the private sector to ensure continuous support for youth entrepreneurs.

“Overall, the SYStartUP Meet & Greet serves as a strategic platform in helping young entrepreneurs grow and remain competitive.

“I also encourage participants to venture into industry-based fields such as TVET (technical and vocational education and training), heavy industry and technology development, which are seen as having strong potential for long-term growth,” said Ripin.