AHMAD MASLAN URGES YOUTH WITH CONSTRUCTION SKILLS TO APPLY FOR G1 LICENCE

KUCHING -- Youth with skills in the construction field are urged to take the opportunity to apply for the G1 contractor licence, which is still open.

Deputy Works Minister Dr Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan said priority will be given to individuals with specific skills, particularly those who have undergone training at the Malaysian Construction Academy (ABM).

He said that this step aims to produce more skilled and quality contractors in the country's construction industry.

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“Previously, this licence was known as Class F. Now, the G1 licence is still open and we prioritise those who have construction skills, for example, ABM graduates," he said when met at the Buka Puasa event with the media, Public Works Department (JKR) and Sarawak Construction Industry Development Board Malaysia (CIDB), here today.

He said this effort is important to ensure that contractors produced are not only qualified but also capable of executing projects well in addition to encouraging more youth to join courses at ABM, which offers up to 100 per cent job placement after completing the training.

“This is a great opportunity for them to become contractors,” he said.

Meanwhile, he said, in efforts to strengthen a highly skilled workforce, several new technical courses are expected to be introduced at ABM in the future.

He said that among the planned courses are construction diver, railway, cable jointer, ready mix concrete and joint maker.

"This strategic step is to meet the growing needs of the industry, particularly in the construction and infrastructure sector. In addition to offering specialised skills, these courses also promise career opportunities with attractive salary rates," he said.

Touching on the performance of projects nationwide, Ahmad said only a small portion of government projects at this time are classified as "sick projects."

According to him, out of 855 projects nationwide, 35 projects or 4.1 per cent fall into that category.

"Most of these problematic projects stem from issues related to contractors. About 75 per cent of the problems are caused by the contractors, particularly in terms of financial management and project management, including labour, materials and scheduling," he added.

-- BERNAMA