KUCHING, April 21: Ministry of Utility and Telecommunication Sarawak has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) to develop the water supply industry in Sarawak.
Speaking during the MOU signing ceremony, its Minister Datuk Julaihi Narawi said with institutional support, the ministry is confident that this would contribute to the production of aquality and competent workforce in the water supply industry in Sarawak.
“Other than courses and seminars, we will also look into collaboration in research, study and consultancy in the development of the water supply in the State,” he said during the MOU signing ceremony held at Dewan DeTAR Putra in Unimas, today.
Julaihi noted, in line with the ministry’s efforts to provide a skilled workforce, it had also signed an MOU with Sarawak Skills and Akademi Binaan Malaysia Sarawak on Dec 8, 2020 to conduct training courses and for them to be the assessment centres for applicants aspiring to become Licensed Pipe Fitters and Mains Layers.
He said this was an important milestone for the Ministry because it is predicted that demand will increase for licensed and skilled pipe fitters and mains layers, with the expected implementation of water supply projects in the 12th Malaysia plan (12MP).
“We need these qualified pipe fitters and mains layers to perform their respective internal plumbing works and mains laying works professionally and ethically, with good workmanship to ensure satisfactory and efficient service delivery as well as reduce non-revenue water (NRW).
“These are also in line with the Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030,” he added.
Meanwhile, Unimas vice chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Mohamad Kadim Suaidi said Unimas aims to deliver and will contribute to achieving the ministry and State government’s vision of 100 per cent water supply coverage by 2025.
He also pointed out that the MOU will enable Unimas to work closely with the ministry in educating and training not only skilled professionals, but also the public at large.
“Hence, directly helping in further modernising the implementation, operation and management of the utility sector in the State,” he said. — DayakDaily
