Currently working in HQ office almost 4 years, boss decided to transfer me to Sabah, 4 hours+ from Sandakan deep inside estate.

Before that 2 years working inside a palm oil mill in West Malaysia, all mills are less than 1 hour to nearby town. Because boss feel like it is the correct decision to transfer me out to Sabah to transform me since my career actually stagnant in HQ.

Partly I agree with my boss on my career prospect, but working there in Sabah not only the location is way too isolated, my current salary only top up allowance RM300 + 3 times a year to and fro flight tickets. Feel like even if not Sabah I still can progress in any other mill.

Boss still feel like his decision transferring me to Sabah is correct since nobody has proven him wrong yet.

How should I discuss with him again?

Tell him your preference e.g. mills at west Malaysia and your concerns e.g. family

another reason of the transfer probably bcz no other options besides hiring local? did the company give timeline of hw long you will be there or permanently transfer?

1.They need non-muslims with experience.
2. Early next year.
3. 1 place usually 2 years minimum, the region has 3 mills.

-deleted

This post has been edited by JAIDK23: May 30 2025, 11:54 AM

Bro, trolling at Kopitiam please

wow, 4 hours drive from sandakan, ask for helicopter as transport.

Opps Sorry this post was intent for kopitiam..my bad

Honestly I feel like the boss trying to lowball you.
I know downstream oil palm is all the rage now, and even mills in Indonesia looking to hire from Malaysia with generous package. So for them to offer a measly RM300 above your current pay is quite underwhelming.

For me I have to agree that career development wise, it's good to be onsite at the mill. Only downside I feel they're ripping you off with the current offer. So either :

i) Negotiate for better package. Ask for all expense paid, suffering allowance etc.
ii) If they force you and make it no choice, go there, gain the experience, and actively look for vacancy with competitors.

They can afford to pay high. Give and take, isolation and 24hrs at site. Main reason I decline. Try talk again for better package. Your boss is deciding your fate because he "feel" so....

My case, they offer me cadet but a fast hike as I'm a (irrelevant) degree holder but in Agri field for 8 years, Malaysian Chinese. I can't spent 24hrs inside. Time is valuable to me.

This post has been edited by Chisinlouz: Jun 1 2025, 04:13 PM

Ask for a wage adjustment that commiserates having a life. I'd do that and be ready to walk out when they say no.