NEWS & UPDATES

KUCHING
16 AUGUST 2022

Sarawak Energy Berhad (Sarawak Energy) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) today with the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) Malaysia, signalling both parties’ intention to collaborate in capacity building programmes for skilled construction personnel and enhance the adoption of construction best practices in Sarawak.

As testament to its importance, Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg officiated at the signing ceremony. Also present were Dato Sri Professor Dr. Sim Kui Hian, Deputy Premier of Sarawak and Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government and Datuk Haji Julaihi Haji Narawi Minister for Utility and Telecommunication, Sarawak.

The MOU is a key collaboration towards developing much-needed manpower and capacity for the construction industry. As an initial stage, the scope of collaboration also covers the training, assessment and accreditation of 100 plant and crane operators, 200 scaffolders and 80 construction site supervisors for a total of 20 Sarawak Energy projects by CIDB.

Sarawak Energy’s large-scale construction of energy infrastructure projects require a large number of skilled workers who need to be registered, trained and accredited. Through this collaboration, CIDB will be able to organise registration, training and accreditation to be conducted at remote project sites in order to minimise project disruption, time and logistic costs.

Sarawak Energy, as owner of large infrastructure projects, has agreed to provide industry apprenticeship placement for up to 100 people who have completed their training from CIDB-owned training academy, Akademi Binaan Malaysia (ABM).

Sarawak Energy was represented by its Group Chief Executive Officer, Datu Haji Sharbini Suhaili while CIDB was represented by its Chief Executive, Datuk Ir Ahmad ‘Asri Abdul Hamid at the signing ceremony.

The MoU signing was witnessed by Sarawak Energy Executive Vice President for Project Delivery, Ir Pramod Kumar Karunakaran and CIDB Deputy Chief Executive II, Sr. Zaid Zakaria.

CIDB Chairman Ir Yusuf Abd Wahab, senior management team and staff from Sarawak Energy and CIDB were also in attendance.

Abang Zohari, congratulated both Sarawak Energy and CIDB Malaysia for pooling together their efforts in supporting the enhancement of capacity building and talent pool for Sarawak, emphasing the needs for the development of a talented workforce for Sarawak.

He said, “Sarawak has different needs compared to other states and other countries. It is important that we can produce our own workforce that can support the state’s industries and their needs.

“Having more skilled workers in the industry, it provides better employment prospect for the Sarawakian which in turn will spur the local economy of Sarawak, prevent the emigration of youths and reduce reliance on foreign workers in the construction industry,” he added.

In his welcoming remarks, Sharbini said, “Sarawak Energy needs a large pool of competent construction workers as we are involved in numerous capital projects for electricity generation, transmission and distribution.”

“We are expecting a pipeline of major projects to continue in the years to come, as we support Sarawak’s aspiration in moving towards becoming a developed state by 2030.”

“This partnership between Sarawak Energy and CIDB reaffirms our efforts to cultivate a sufficient pool of competent workers while simultaneously ensuring that our projects are carried out in compliance with the legal requirements.”

“We will have access to the industry best practices as well as the latest technological solutions for the construction industry through our partnership with CIDB,” he added.

In addition to capacity building and manpower development, the collaboration also covers programmes to measure Sarawak Energy projects against national industry benchmark and best practices.

At least 40 Sarawak Energy appointed contractors will receive training in the Safety and Health Assessment System in Construction (SHASSIC) and Quality against Assessment System in Construction (QLASSIC).

Sarawak Energy will also implement the Sustainable INFRASTAR rating for its infrastructure projects. Sustainable INFRASTAR acts as a design and measurement tool to ensure consideration on sustainable elements are incorporated early on in the development of a project. By implementing these tools, Sarawak Energy will not only establish a benchmark within its own projects but set a high score benchmark for the whole of Sarawak.

Sarawak’s Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr.) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg delivering his congratulatory remarks during the MoU Signing Ceremony between Sarawak Energy and CIDB

Sarawak Energy Group Chief Executive Officer, Datuk Haji Sharbini Suhaili, delivering his welcoming speech at the MoU Signing Ceremony Between Sarawak Energy and CIDB

CIDB Chairman, Ir Yusuf Abd Wahab speaks at the MoU Signing Ceremony between Sarawak Energy and CIDB 

Exchange of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) documents between Sarawak Energy and CIDB