By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, March 17: Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas has urged Bumiputera contractors in Classes C to E to utilise a government programme that will provide eligible contractors with relevant training, financial assistance, and necessary equipment if they secure contracts.
Uggah, who is also Minister for Infrastructure and Port Development (MIPD) Sarawak, stated that the programme is part of the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government’s efforts to support genuine Bumiputera contractors and was announced during the State Assembly Legislative (DUN) sitting in November last year.
He went on to say that contractors can register for the programme at their respective Resident’s office and that once registered, applications will be forwarded to a special committee in the State Financial Office to determine eligibility.
“It will assess if you are eligible to join the programme. If you are eligible, relevant training will be given.
“And if you can secure or are given any contract, there will be financial assistance and the required equipment as well.
“But, you are not supposed to transfer your contract to another party. You should carry out the contract yourself,” the minister said yesterday (March 16) as he and Betong MP Dr Richard Rapu presented grants totalling RM414,800 to one mosque, nine suraus, and the Village Development and Security Committees (JKKK) in Spaoh.
On another note, Uggah, who is also the chairman of the State Disaster Management Committee (SDMC), stated that he had contacted the Miri Division Disaster Management Committee (MDDMC) to keep an eye out for any outbreaks of bushfires or open burning.
“The northern zone is now facing dry weather and drought. Bushfires or open burning can contribute to creating haze, which is a health hazard for all.
“So, I hope all will cooperate for mutual benefits. Now, we have the technology to monitor the situation. The Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB), for instance, can use drones to pinpoint the locations.
“The Fire and Rescue Department and other volunteer firefighting groups can then do their part to extinguish such fires,” he said.
Uggah also urged all parties, including farmers and the public, to cooperate to prevent haze occurrence, highlighting that last year’s cooperation successfully avoided haze incidents. — DayakDaily
