PONTIAN: The Works Ministry is projecting a RM200bil expenditure involving the construction sector next year, says its deputy minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan.
He said it includes the construction of roads, highways and bridges, slope and building repairs, maintenance of various facilities, as well as the continuation of existing projects.
He said of the total RM200bil, RM88bil is allocated from the government’s budget, while an estimated RM32bil is for projects implemented by government-linked companies (GLCs) and government-linked investment companies (GLICs), and RM80bil is from the private sector.
“Next year will see the country’s development focusing on the interests of the people in a bid to expedite the implementation of projects that benefit them. This includes helping to meet the needs of people in remote areas,” he said.
Ahmad said this after launching the Career Skills and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Construction Carnival organised by the Construction Industry Development Board here yesterday, Bernama reported.
Ahmad, who is also Pontian MP, said with such a big spending projection, the country requires more skilled workers in the construction sector to reduce the dependence on foreign workers.
He said this is in line with the implementation of the TVET programmes by the Malaysian Building Academy (ABM) Southern Region, which requires more trainees to meet the needs of the industry in the future.
He said so far, the ABM Southern Region has trained 70,000 workers, in addition to producing at least class G3 company owners (contractors).
“This year alone, the ABM Southern Region has trained 808 youths and 782 building personnel, as well as accredited 3,100 building workers who are skilled in their respective fields.
“Our hope next year is that we can train over 2,000 youths to fill the needs for skilled workers, including in Johor, which is actively implementing development works in various sectors,” he said.Ahmad said the ABM is also collaborating with the Johor Petroleum Development Corporation and the Johor Human Capital Strategic Unit in training youth to be absorbed into related jobs.
