MIRI: Forty villagers took part in a re-skilling initiative aimed at empowering rural communities.
The two-day PETRONAS Re-Skilling Community Programme (ReCP): Ferrocement and Assorted Bun Training at Kampung Long Balau came to a close on June 12.
“The programme is designed to strengthen entrepreneurial capabilities among rural communities while providing practical skills that can generate sustainable income opportunities,” PETRONAS Carigali Sdn Bhd (Aset Sarawak) said in a statement on Monday (June 15).
Organised by the company in collaboration with Kolej Komuniti Miri, the programme involved 40 participants from Kampung Long Balau and its surrounding areas.
Twenty participants attended the ferrocement course, while another 20 joined the assorted bun training course, both aimed at equipping residents with practical and marketable skills.
According to the statement, the programme supports PETRONAS’ broader efforts to improve socioeconomic well-being in communities located within its operational areas in Sarawak.
“Through strategic collaboration with educational institutions and government agencies, we aim to create meaningful opportunities that enhance livelihoods and strengthen community resilience,” it added.
The company said that similar initiatives have produced encouraging outcomes, particularly through technical training programmes that have improved participants’ employment prospects in various industries.
Between 2024 and 2025, a total of 73 participants successfully completed Level 1 Scaffolding Training and are now employed in the oil and gas sector around Bintulu and Miri.
The company also highlighted its 2025 entrepreneurship programme, which benefited 120 participants from Bintulu, Sebauh, Niah and Lawas through courses in fertigation and digital marketing.
In addition, 26 participants completed Level 1 and Level 2 scaffolding training between April and May this year through collaboration with ADTEC Miri and TMR Technologies Sdn Bhd.
It said the programmes have enhanced practical competencies, strengthened entrepreneurial knowledge and increased participants’ ability to secure employment or establish income-generating ventures.
The company added that such initiatives will continue supporting community development efforts in Lawas, Baram, Limbang, Miri and Bintulu.
