KOTA SAMARAHAN: The Sarawak Social Welfare Department (JKM) continues to empower its target groups through the Skills and Career Training Development Programme (PLKK), with 15 trainees successfully completing the Basic Scaffolding – Level 1 Course.
The event at the Industrial Training Institute (ILP) Kota Samarahan was officiated by the Director of JKM Sarawak, Semawi Mohamad, who expressed his appreciation to the organisers, the Economic Development Branch of JKM Sarawak, ILP Kota Samarahan, and strategic partners such as TMR Technologies Sdn Bhd.
In his speech, he emphasised that the PLKK programme is one of the department’s initiatives to help household members of aid recipients break free from the cycle of poverty through skills development and career opportunities.
The 10-day course, which began on July 1, involved participants who are family members of JKM Sarawak aid recipients.
“This effort not only helps increase family income but also transforms their socioeconomic status for a better life,” he said on Wednesday.
He added that the PLKK programme also provides opportunities for former institutional residents and young offenders to return to the right path through skills training that is relevant to the job market.
According to him, from 2022 to 2024, a total of 224 individuals participated in the programme, with 88 per cent successfully employed in their respective training fields, while the remainder are engaged in part-time jobs while awaiting permanent offers.
However, he acknowledged that this number is still small compared to the total of 55,845 JKM aid recipients across Sarawak.
“I urge that efforts to expand skills training be intensified, including establishing more collaborations with public and private training agencies so that more types of training can be offered to the target groups,” he stressed.
In addition, he extended his appreciation to parents who supported their children’s participation in the course and called on employers, including GLCs and government agencies, to open up more job opportunities and provide incentives to programme participants.
