NEWS & UPDATES

KUCHING, 19 APRIL 2019, FRIDAY: Sarawak Energy aims to maximise local content as well as widen the pool of qualified contractors for its projects, in its mission to provide affordable, reliable and renewable energy for Sarawak.

Towards this end, the energy development corporation held a two-day briefing for contractors early this week to provide an update on business opportunities available through upcoming projects and qualification requirements to participate in the tenders.

Datu Sharbini Suhaili, Sarawak Energy Group Chief Executive Officer in his speech at the launch said, “We are making real and tangible efforts to maximise local content and participation to benefit the business community in Sarawak by providing opportunities through our procurement and contract activities as well as our contracting strategies and policies.”

The briefing drew more than 200 participants and featured a series of sessions delivered by the various business unit in Sarawak Energy, Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB), Unit Pendaftaran Kontraktor & Juruperunding (UPKJ) and Electrical Inspectorate Unit (EIU) of the Minister of Utilities. Also, in attendance were financial institutions namely Majilis Amanah Rakyat (MARA), Credit Guarantee Corporation (CGC) Malaysia Berhad, Ikhtiar Factoring, PMB Tijari Berhad, Bank Islam Malaysia Berhad & Small Medium Enterprise Development Bank Malaysia Berhad (SME Bank).

Sharbini revealed that Sarawak Energy has recorded a steady increase in contract and procurement activities awarded to local contractors annually with local contractors awarded RM1.198billion worth in 2018 compared to RM937 million in 2017.

The Sarawak Government recently announced that it was allocating RM2.37billion on the provision of electricity to Sarawakians living in the state’s rugged interior.

Sharbini said the overall Accelerated Rural Electrification Master Plan aims to achieve 97% rural electrification (99% for whole of Sarawak) by 2020 through the Rural Electrification Scheme (RES) and Sarawak Alternative Rural Electrification Scheme (SARES). He emphasised that the government funded programme being implemented by Sarawak Energy presented a good opportunity for local contractors’ participation and capability development. Other major projects include the construction of Baleh HEP as well as several substations and facilities upgrading.

Sharbini reminded contractors that a strong safety culture remains top priority amidst other focus areas of timely project delivery, high standards and environmental responsibility.

There were also sessions on acquiring the Sarawak Energy’s competency certification as well as familiarisation with Sarawak Energy e-Procurement or SEPRO, a newly launched digitalisation initiative.

Also present were members of the Bumiputera Participation Board Committee (BPBC) Datu Hj Wan Kassim Tunku Zubir, Datu Haji Abang Helmi Tan Sri Ikhwan, Dato Ir Abang Jemat Abang Bujang, Allan Keripin Nangkai, Hj Ir Zawawi Embong and Stell Sindau. The event also featured a mini exhibition.

A group photo of Sarawak Energy Group CEO Datu Sharbini Suhaili (centre) along with BPBC members and other participants of the briefing.

Sarawak Energy Group CEO Datu Sharbini Suhaili touring the exhibition booths at the event along with Senior Vice President for Contract and Procurement Hj Sulaiman Abdul Hamid (right).