on Understanding Bumiputera Status & Centralised Information Management System (CIMS) Application at Grand
Continental Hotel in Kuching. Looking on is the President of PERKOBF Sarawak, Hussaini Bujang (standing right).
PHOTO: RAMIDI SUBARI
KUCHING: 113 participants comprising companies owners and representatives from Miri, Lawas, Limbang, Betong, Kapit, Sri Aman, Simunjan, Serian and Kuching attended a half-day basic course on Understanding Bumiputera Status and workshop on Centralised Information Management System (CIMS) Application at Grand Continental Hotel here yesterday.
The half-day course and workshop were organi sed by the Contractor and Entrepreneur Development Division (BPKU) Sarawak branch of the Ministry of Works in collaboration with the Class ‘F’ Bumiputera Contractors Association (PERKOBF) Sarawak. Head of the Contractor and Ent repreneur Development Division (BPKU) Sarawak branch of the Ministry of Works, Ainilkasma Derim was present to officiate the course and workshop.
She said that previously it used to be monopolised by males but now the number of class F female contractors had seen an increment. However, it is still controlled by men. Derim added that the Sarawak Civil Service Day 2017 was themed “Digital Government Driving Digital Economy” which emphasised on the digital initiatives mooted by the Chief Minister, Datuk Patinggi (Dr) Abang Johari Tun Openg.
She said, “Despite those who felt that the digital system has yet to reach a satisfactory level, they have to accept the fact that the industry is continuously adapting to the technological advancement. “Those who are still lazy to go online must get out of their manual cocoon as those eras had passed.
“The era of filling in the form at the counter is over and now all the government departments are going digital and even the payment systems have gone digital”. Derim disclosed that it was one of the challenges. She advised the Class F holders that they were moving towards a stage where they cannot feel too comfortable because the competition is getting fiercer. According to the Head of BPKU Sarawak branch, there were already more than 900 Class F contractors registered in Sarawak.
Compared to Class G2, G3, G4, G5 & G7 contractors, Class F is the most monopolized with 900 contractors, which is more than 50% of the overall contractors registered in Sarawak. She hoped that they would be prepared for the global challenges and the wish of the CM to create a Light Rail Train (LRT) network which would link Kuching with Santubong should be viewed as an opportunity.
Derim also said that the contractors would benefit from the opportunities as the country develops with more projects. She also advised the contractors to grab the opportunities given or created including those, whose licences were no longer active and they must know the government bodies that can help them.
“There were individuals who had gotten their licences suspended for failing to comply with the rules and regulations for the contractors. With that, contractors and entrepreneurs are reminded to conduct their business with integrity,” said Derim.
