EIGHT Sarawakian youths have been enrolled in a 24-month paddy training programme in Kedah to strengthen the state’s future agriculture workforce.
The Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development Sarawak (MEITD) Datuk Roland Sagah Wee Inn said the 24-month programme provides Sijil Kemahiran Malaysia (SKM) Level 3 certification by the Department of Skills Development (JPK).
He said the programme focuses on core cultivation skills such as planting, maintenance and mechanisation, as well as operational, supervision and harvesting management.
“My Ministry with the support of, Ministry of Food Industry, Commodities and Regional Development Sarawak (M-FICORD), and Sarawak Skills, enrolled Sarawakian youths at Muda Agricultural Development Authority Rice Training Centre, Kedah.
“Upon completion, they (eight Sarawakian) will form the backbone of the workforce for M-FICORD’s strategic paddy projects,” he said.
He said this in his ministerial winding up speech at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting here today (May 18).
He added that graduates of the programme would be prepared for careers in agribusiness, public service, supply sectors and automotive sectors.
He also called on members of the august House to help promote this programme to the youth within their respective constituencies.
“This will assist Sarawak in building a skilled workforce for this sector,” he said.
