MIRI: Skilled locals have been urged to take up work opportunities at the Baleh hydroelectric power project site.
In making the call Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Labour, Immigration and Project Monitoring) Datuk Gerawat Gala said this is because locals are no less skilled and knowledgeable than foreigners.
“I believe our education and skills institutions have produced a skilled and knowledgeable workforce, we want to give our local people the opportunity,” he said at the launching of MyFutureJobs carnival in Kapit, Tuesday.
“I am sure that they will be able to master the skills in a very short period of time.”
The carnival, hosted by Social Security Organisation (Socso) and Department of Labour (JTK) aims to provide opportunities for locals especially in the Kapit district to work at the Baleh Dam construction site.
Gerawat said, on the first day of the carnival held on June 12 (Monday), a total of 40 job seekers from Kapit had attended interviews.
“Recently, rumours had spread on social media that the Baleh Dam construction project had an influx of foreign workers thus affecting job opportunities for locals.
“JTK and Socso thereafter took the initiative to invite employers and contractors involved in the project to hold a special interview session for locals ,” he said, adding, “we must rely less on foreign workers and should prioritise local labour.”
The 1,285MW project under construction on the Baleh River is expected to be commissioned by 2026.
Also present during the MyFutureJobs carnival were Arawak JTK director Awang Raduan Awang Omar, Socso Sarawak senior assistant director Farinah Japar, Kapit District Resident Galong Luang, anf Bukit Mabong District Officer Calvin Ligong.
