By Ling Hui
KUCHING, Nov 2: Sarawak government and the Institution of Engineers Malaysia (IEM) Sarawak Branch has reached an agreement on a one-to-one basis matching grant.
Infrastructure and Port Development Minister Tan Sri Dr James Jemut Masing said if IEM Sarawak could raise RM1,000 for the state government, in return the state government would give them RM1,000 for their infrastructures.
“It is on a one-to-one basis. If they (IEM Sarawak) could give me the best, then the ministry will also give you the best facilities that they need.
“We will then provide them with the necessary infrastructures and facilities for their research, and it is very important.
“Without the engineers helping out the government to create a better road system, bridges and building, it is very difficult for the government to deliver quality infrastructures for the people,” he said after officiating the opening of International Engineering Centre (IntEC) at Raintree Square, The Isthmus here today.
Aside from celebrating the opening of the first IntEC building, Masing who is also Deputy Chief Minister revealed another bigger version of the office to be built in Kota Samarahan.
A piece of land was given by the Sarawak government to realise the next RM4 million IntEC building which will be designed to a green building index.
Masing added he is in the midst of getting an allocation of RM1 million as research and training grant for the institution to purchase the necessary testing equipment.
“This is so that they can have a collection of engineers who are being trained to do research here, so that Sarawak can have a better system, a better input on what needs to be done,” he said. — DayakDaily
