By Peter Sibon
SERIAN, Sept 1: Serian MP Dato Sri Richard Riot Jaem said there is an urgent need for the Serian Industrial Training Institute (ILP) to be continued as it has been approved by the previous federal government.
According to him, since the project, costing some RM260 mil has been approved, he reasoned that its implementation must not be delayed.
“I will pursue it until its implemented as it is my pet project. It was approved by the previous federal government for the benefit of all Malaysians especially those residing in Serian.
“It was supposed to be completed in 2021, and upon its completion it can take in 1,400 students per year. You can imagine the economic spinoff generated from the project for the local economy too,” Riot said at SK Krusen’s Diamond Jubilee held at Kampung Krusen, some 12km from here, last night.
He said he had no idea about its current status as its implementation has been delayed by the new Pakatan Harapan government.
“But I will continue to bring it up in Parliament until it is implemented,” said Riot, who was the former Human Resources Minister.
The Serian ILP was supposedly the 33rd to be set up in the country and was launched on March 24, last year.
Riot pointed out that Serian ILP wold help train more skilled workers, so as to reach the nation’s target of having 35 per cent skilled workforce by 2025.
“Currently, we are reaching about 29 per cent skilled workforce. So, we really have to work hard to achieve another six per cent to reach our target,” he said, adding that most developed countries such as Singapore, has achieved more than 50 per cent skilled workers in their workforce.
Earlier in his speech, Riot said he was happy that SK Krusen has produced many graduates for Kampung Krusen of about 250 families.
“I’m very happy with the success of SK Krusen which has produced many graduates including engineers and other professionals,” he said.
Riot also urged the community to continue putting great emphasis on the education of their children.
“Education is the key to success. Education is not just academic but also include skilled training. For those who can do well in their studies, they can go straight to universities. For others who are not academically gifted, ILP would provide the necessary avenue to obtain the necessity skills to face the job market,” he said.
SK Krusen’s Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) chairman Atin Diro also spoke at the function. — DayakDaily
