KUCHING: Professionals from Peninsular Malaysia or abroad are welcome to contribute their expertise in Sarawak.
Deputy State Secretary (Economic Planning and Development), Datuk Dr Muhammad Abdullah Zaidel, said that is why the state is opening its door to professionals by introducing a five-year working visa.
He said the initiative introduced by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg is part of an effort to bridge the talent gap while the state builds its own expertise.
“The five-year visa is for professionals and not for labourers. The professionals can apply and work here conveniently without renewal until the fifth year.
“As this is to fill the gap while we are building up our talent. For instance, those in the fields such as engineering, innovation, scientific research, we are willing to absorb or to take in any West Malaysian,” he said.
He said this during a panel discussion at the Business Writing Workshop organised by Pertubuhan Wartawan Bebas Kuching (PEWARTA) held at a hotel here today.
Muhammad Abdullah also stressed that Sarawak’s progress benefits not only Sarawakians but also the wider nation.
“Sarawak prosper, the country prosper. Whatever prosperity we achieve here, Malaysia prospers too,” he said.
He also said the state government’s machinery, especially the Immigration and Labour Management Unit (ILMU) under the purview of the Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Labour, Immigration and Project Monitoring), Datuk Gerawat Gala, is committed to ensuring efficient processing of professional applications, including doctors, scientists and engineers who wish to work in the state.
“So, there are investors coming in from Korea, Japan and China, coming in to build the industry here. The ILMU is ready to assist.
“And with the five-year visa introduced, this is another indication that we welcome foreign professionals to Sarawak to help us develop Sarawak thereafter develop Malaysia,” he said.
