KUCHING, March 14: Board of Engineers Malaysia’s (BEM) research findings on minimum wages for engineers will be submitted for government consideration soon.
Senior Works Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said his ministry is aware of the dissatisfaction raised by recent engineering graduates from public and private higher learning institutions regarding their welfare and low starting salaries.
“After the presentation, BEM will submit a proposal statement for public information to address this issue,” he said.
Fadillah said this when answering Pasir Mas MP Ahmad Fadhli Shaari’s question regarding the welfare of engineers under the Registration of Engineers Act 1967 (Act 138) during his winding-up speech at Parliament today.
Fadillah pointed out that Act 138 was established to register and regulate registered persons (graduate engineers, engineering technologists, site inspectors, professional engineers, professional engineers with certificate of practice and certified examiners) and engineering consulting companies to protect the safety, health and interests of the public.
However, he said Act 138 indirectly protects registered persons, including engineers, where only those registered are eligible for employment and providing engineering services in Malaysia.
According to Fadillah, Act 138 also promotes learning and education, including the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Programme for engineers to enhance their knowledge in the latest developments related to the engineering profession to ensure continuous quality.
“Through Act 138, BEM has established the Engineering Accreditation Council (EAC), which is tasked for the accreditation of engineering degrees to ensure the quality of graduates.
“The ministry has no objection to collaborating with stakeholders from other government agencies to discuss issues raised,” he said. ― DayakDaily
