KUCHING: Sarawak is facing an acute shortage of skilled workers, especially welders, due to implementing numerous infrastructural projects across the state.

According to Sarawak Deputy Premier, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, contractors also faced this issue when employing foreign workers as a result of strict immigration rules.

"I have been told of this problem by contractors. It is also not easy for them to employ foreigners due to strict immigration rules.

“Therefore, I hope i-CATS University College can play a role here to overcome this woe," he said.

He said this during a courtesy call by i-CATS University College, led by its Vice Chancellor and President, Prof Emeritus Datuk Ts Dr. Mohamad Kadim Suaidi at his office here, on Tuesday.

The Minister for Infrastructure and Port Development (MIPD) further said that Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg is actively implementing numerous large-scale infrastructure projects statewide.

He added that MIPD alone is currently handling RM30 billion worth of infrastructure projects.

“Coming our way are two gigantic projects. They are the new airport for Kuching, and the new deep sea port, both at Tanjung Embang. So our Premier has some very big tasks for i-CATS," he said.

Meanwhile, Dr Mohamad Kadim shared that the university college was working towards attaining full university status by next year.

" We are working very seriously toward this. I-CATS University College is a state-owned tertiary institution, owned by Yayasan Sarawak as its major shareholder and the Sarawak Skills Development Centre,” he stated.

He further revealed that a 220-acre site in Trombol, about 40 kilometers from the city centre had been allocated to set up a centre to train skilled workers, including welders.

"We aim to move all technology and science faculties to this new campus and for the others to stay put at the current campus at Jalan Stampin Timur," he said. -UKASnews