By Doreen Ling
KUCHING, June 15: Forty participants of the ‘PETRONAS Re-Skilling Community Programme: Ferrocement and Assorted Bun Training’ at Kampung Long Balau in Bario were successful in completing the training programme, enhancing the entrepreneurial skills of the local community.
Speaking during the closing ceremony of the programme at Kampung Long Balau in Bario last Friday (June 12), PETRONAS Carigali Sdn Bhd (Sarawak Asset) SSGP general manager, Idey Idham Nawa Wahid, reiterated PETRONAS’ commitment to supporting socioeconomic development and the sustainability of local communities in its operational areas, particularly in Bintulu, Miri, Ulu Limbang, Niah, Tinjar, Baram, and Lawas.
“Support from industry partners is vital to ensuring the success of programmes such as this. One of PETRONAS’ key themes this year is strategic collaboration among companies in achieving shared goals. We believe sustainable achievements can only be realised through collective effort and strong partnerships.
“Therefore, we extend our highest appreciation to Miri Community College, ADTEC (Advanced Technology Training Centre) Miri, and the Telang Usan District Office for their support, cooperation, and commitment in making this programme a success,” he said, in which a copy of his text speech was shared with DayakDaily.
At the same time, he also hoped that more industry partners, particularly from local companies, will join PETRONAS in continuing efforts to develop the skills and talents of young Sarawakians and create more employment opportunities for Sarawakian youths.
Touching on the two-day programme organised in collaboration with Miri Community College, he said that of the 40 participants, 20 were in the ferrocement course while the remaining 20 were in the assorted bun course.
“Last year, similar entrepreneurship courses were conducted in Bintulu and Lawas, involving 120 villagers from the areas of Bintulu, Sebauh, Niah, and Lawas. The entrepreneurship courses offered included fertigation and digital marketing training in collaboration with the Bintulu Agriculture Department and CENTEXS.
“Apart from these entrepreneurship courses, PETRONAS also conducted Level 1 and Level 2 scaffolding training programmes this year, involving 26 youths—16 participants in Level 1 and 10 participants in Level 2. The training was held in April and May at ADTEC Miri in collaboration with ADTEC Miri and TMR Technologies Sdn Bhd,” he said.
He also added that in 2024 and 2025, 73 participants completed the Level 1 scaffolding training programme, and they are now employed in the oil and gas sector around Bintulu and Miri.
“This year, PETRONAS will continue to expand its skills development initiatives by exposing more participants to Level 1 and Level 2 scaffolding training, as well as entrepreneurship courses such as ferrocement and assorted bun training involving communities from Lawas, Baram, and Bintulu.
“I hope these initiatives will continue to help more youths improve their socioeconomic standing and contribute to Sarawak’s development in the future,” he said.
Among those present were Telang Usan District Officer, Ezra Uda; Miri Community College director representative, Faridah Musit; and Limbang District Police Chief, Supt Parum Niot. — DayakDaily
