SPAOH: Bumiputera contractors in Class C to E have been urged to take advantage of a government programme aimed at enhancing their skills and capabilities.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said contractors may register themselves for the programme at their respective Resident’s Offices. Once registered, their applications will be forwarded to a special committee in the State Financial Office for assessment of eligibility.
“It will assess if you are eligible to join the programme. If you are eligible, relevant training will be given.
“And if you can secure or are given any contract, there will be the financial assistance given and the required equipment as well. But you are not supposed to transfer your contract to another party. You should carry out the contract yourself,” he said.
Uggah made these remarks while presenting grants totaling RM414,800 to one mosque, nine suraus, and Village Security and Development Committees (JKKK) here.
The grants were provided by him and Betong MP Dr Richard Rapu.
Uggah who is also the Bukit Saban assemblyman said the programme was a step taken by the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government to build up genuine Bumiputera contractors.
He explained that the programme was announced at the state assembly sitting in November last year.
Speaking to the media later, Uggah who is the chairman of the State Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) said that he had contacted the Miri Division Disaster Committee to be on the lookout for any outbreak of bushfires or any open burning.
“The northern zone is now facing dry weather and drought. Any bushfires or open burning can contribute to creating the haze which is a health hazard for all.
“So, I hope all will cooperate for mutual benefits. Now we have the technology to monitor the situation.
“The Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB) for instance can use drones to pinpoint the locations,” he said.
He also noted that the State Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) and other volunteer fire fighting groups can then do their part to extinguish bushfires.
“If all parties including farmers and members of the public gave their fullest cooperation, the haze occurrence could be avoided like in last year,” Uggah said.
