SIBU: Despite being a small town, Sibu’s innate talents have turned it into the state’s shipbuilding prowess.
Dudong assemblyman Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing said the quality and technology of the vessels built in here are world renowned, even as labour shortages have caused production bottlenecks in various shipyards.
“Therefore, I wish to appeal to the Sibu Shipyards Association (SSA) members to look into cultivating local skilled labour to continue taking advantage of today’s booming maritime and logistics industries,” he said at SSA’s 34th executive committee (2022-2023) installation ceremony at a leading hotel here on Sunday (July 24).
Ting Hua Ang who was installed as the chairman led his new executive committee to a swearing-in ceremony before Tiong.
Tiong, who is also Bintulu MP, said most of the welding works are performed by foreign workers, warning that once the process of bringing in foreign labour is compromised, the whole enterprise can be affected or even halted.
This, he said, is an area which provides another option for young people to consider a different career path in technical or vocational studies.
He suggested that young people who might not be keen on conventional education may consider pursuing technical or vocational education.
Venturing into society with a sought-after set of skills, he assured, will insure them against failure later due to a lack of experience and tech know-how.
This includes technologies which are not readily recognised in general, he added.
“I have also communicated the difficulties faced by employers in terms of foreign labour shortage in various fields to the relevant authorities and I will also do my best to assist in this matter.
“At the same time, I hope that the logistics industry will look into making sure that their prices are accessible at this time of heightened inflation,” he said.
Adding on, he said as the world enters the post-pandemic period, the international markets, logistics, and transportation services have gradually recovered.
However, he stated that as most companies gear up to regain momentum, they are further burdened by the sudden rise in logistics costs and this is greatly felt by many employers in most fields.
“Logistics providers, whether by land, sea, or air, should provide market-friendly and affordable transportation services to help reduce the operating costs of companies, which in turn will not be passed on to consumers,” he added.
Tiong, who is also Prime Minister’s Special Envoy to the People’s Republic of China, announced an allocation of RM30,000 to the SSA for their activities.
Among those present were Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation director Zamzuri Mohamed, Marine Department of Sarawak Region director Mohamad Marzuki Brahim, Department of Occupational Safety & Health Sibu branch in-charge Tsai Chang Yee, Sibu Rural District Council chairman Sempurai Petrus Ngelai, Sibu Municipal Council, deputy chairman Bujang Abdul Majid and organising committee chairman of the event, Ngieng Hock Sii.
