By Adrian Lim
LAWAS, Dec 19: The people of Lawas have been urged to be involved in the construction sector.
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan said the state government has many people centric projects to be developed in Lawas and require manpower to complete those projects on schedule.
“I hope that those with capabilities are encouraged to take up the opportunities in the construction sector.
“Although most of the people here are farmers, livestock breeders and fishermen, if the situation at sea remains turbulent during the monsoon season, they will be unable to go to the sea to catch fish and as a result, livelihood will be affected.
“The state government has many projects in Lawas that need to be implemented.
“For instance, the Integrated Administrative Complex (IAC) in Lawas which requires a lot of manpower.
“The youths here who are capable can participate in the construction industry,” he said in his speech during the launching of the Anjung Usahawan Sundar event cum presentation of aid in the form of boat engines to local fishermen at Lawas district here today.
Awang Tengah noted that fisheries and agricultural production are backbone economic activities run by the rural community in the rural area.
With the monsoon season in Lawas which could affect the livelihood of fishermen, he urged the locals to diversify their economic activities by venturing into the construction sector.
Awang Tengah added that the project contractor for IACÂ required many workers to build the administrative complex.
With the involvement of locals in the construction sector, he said the state government need not rely more on foreign workers and will tighten the acquisition of foreign labour in Sarawak.
He added the construction sector will also create job opportunities for the locals especially during the current situation of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Awang Tengah gathered that general workers in the construction sector were also well paid.
Hence, in the midst of overcoming the Covid-19 pandemic, he urged the locals in Lawas to take advantage of the opportunities provided in the construction sector such as the supply of construction materials required for development projects to enhance their livelihoods.
“In Lawas, there are building projects, road projects, water supply projects and many more programmes.
“Projects under the Rural Transformation Projects (RTP), Minor Rural Projects (MRP) and others. They (contractors) are really in need of workers,” he added.
With local participation in the construction sector, Awang Tengah who is also the International Trade and Industry, Industrial Terminal and Entrepreneur Development Minister believed that the local economy will be rejuvenated and grow.
In the meantime, he revealed that the Anjung Usahawan which is a facility built by the state government can be used as an incubator centre for local entrepreneurs to expand their businesses.
Awang Tengah added the centre can also be used as a marketplace for those to market their agricultural products, fish catchments, livestocks and handicrafts.
Among those present at the event were Deputy Minister of Rural Development Datuk Henry Sum Agong who is also Lawas MP, Ministry of International Trade and Industry, Industrial Terminal and Entrepreneur Development permanent secretary Datu Liaw Soon Eng and Ministry of Urban Development and Resources permanent secretary Datu Zaidi Mahdi. — DayakDaily
