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By Chris Lidom and Shikin Louis
KUCHING, June 23: Contractors have been urged to upgrade their skills in using new technologies for the construction industry as well as adopt the practice of taking in university students as interns in their companies.
In making the call, Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg shared that he has previously assisted Malaysian Malay Contractors Association (PKMM) in procuring three new tractors with an allocation of RM900,000 to allow contractors to utilise them for excavation work.
He noted that presently, each tractor costs over RM1 million where it is not affordable for most contractors.
He also mentioned that he had assisted Sarawak Bumiputera Entrepreneurs Chamber (DUBS) in the procurement of the heavy machinery.
“However, our contractors must upgrade their skills through Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) for instance.
“We have CIDB and we can train our contractors and we no longer have to depend on others,” he said during PKMM Sarawak’s 24th Annual General Meeting (AGM) opening ceremony and dinner held at Pullman Hotel here earlier tonight.
He also mentioned that successful construction companies can provide internship for university students as part of an effort to produce more expertise in the construction industry.
“They (university students) can come and work with our companies and utilise their skills especially those from the engineering course or courses related to the construction industry.
“This means our expertise in the construction industry will increase and we can implement new technologies. This is our strength in Sarawak and we can share it with the Peninsular and vice versa,” he added.
Amongst those present were Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Dato Sri Fadillah Yusuf; Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas; Sarawak Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki; PKMM president Dato Seri Mohamed Fadzill Hassan; PKMM Sarawak advisor Dato Zaiedi Suhaili and PKMM Sarawak president Dato Ismail Suut. — DayakDaily
