KUCHING, Sept 9: The Ministry of Utilities (MOU) has set a target of producing 60 licensed pipefitters and 30 licensed mains layers by the end of 2021.
At present, MOU said there are about 472 active licensed pipefitters and 473 mains layers in Sarawak.
The increase in related workforce is in anticipation of the need to have a sufficient number of pipefitters and mains layers for many upcoming water supply projects and building projects requiring plumbing works in the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP).
Through collaboration with Sarawak Skills Development Centre (PPKS) and Sarawak Skills Malaysian Construction Academy (ABM), five-day courses to train pipefitters will be provided in these next two months.
“To-date, the first batch comprising 11 participants, had attended and completed the five-day programme at PPKS Kuching from Aug 2 to 6.
“The second batch has also started their course on Sept 6 and the third batch will start their course in October.
“Besides the pipefitter course, ABM will also start to conduct their first batch of mains layer and pipe fitter courses from September onwards,” said the ministry in a statement today.
Qualified pipefitters and mains layers are essential to supervise and carry out internal plumbing works and mains laying works professionally, with good workmanship to ensure satisfactory and efficient service delivery as well as reduce non-revenue water (NRW).
While the need for pipefitters and mains layers to be competent, qualified, and licensed is stipulated clearly in the Water Supply Regulations 1995, Regulation 123 (1) states that only licensed pipefitters are allowed to carry out any work connected with construction, alteration, or repair of any service pipe or distributing pipe or fittings which carry water supplied by a water supply authority.
“Similarly, as stipulated in Regulation 125 (1) of the Water Supply Regulations 1995, only licensed mains layers are only allowed to carry out any work connected with the laying, alteration, or repair of any mains which carry water supplied by a water supply authority.”
With the increase in number of competent licensed pipefitters and mains layers, MOU said there would be more job opportunities as they could participate in water supply projects involving water main construction and plumbing works.
MOU is also confident that PPKS and ABM will do their part diligently in ensuring that the pipefitters and mains layers who have undergone the courses in their respective institutions are properly qualified, and able to do their works professionally, ethically, thereby enhancing the quality, efficiency and delivery of our water supply services. — DayakDaily
