02-05-2025
UiTM-JKR collab key to tackling Sarawak's construction challenges, says Deputy Premier
Uggah (centre) and others show photos of major bridge projects in Sarawak after the programme.
SPAOH (May 2): Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas has emphasised the potential for collaboration between Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Sarawak and the Sarawak Public Works Department (JKR) to tackle key challenges in the state's construction sector.
He said potential areas of cooperation include the complex task of constructing roads on peat soil and hilly terrain, particularly in rural regions.
'The other aspect was how to reduce cost in road construction,' he said at the 'Future Engineers In The Making: JKR Sarawak Engineering Experience' programme at Rumah Mendit Unsu in Penom here today.
The three-day programme aims to provide practical exposure to students in engineering, architecture, quantity surveying, and related fields.
It includes site visits to active road construction projects and involves 56 UiTM students alongside 26 newly appointed JKR engineers from across Sarawak.
Uggah, who is also State Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development, offered advice to students preparing to enter the construction industry.
'First it is very important that you understand local culture in your work areas. Before you can start any construction works, make sure the local people are well consulted.
'This will help you to establish good support and cooperation with the locals,' he said.
He added that strong community engagement is essential to ensure the smooth implementation of infrastructure projects.
'You also need to have very good knowledge of the conditions and situations where you work,' he said.
Uggah shared that Sarawak, through JKR, is currently overseeing about RM60 billion worth of infrastructure projects funded by both federal and state governments, with RM36 billion under direct state implementation.
'These include the Second Trunk Road, the Coastal Road and 16 major bridges. Then we have those road projects in our nine regional development agencies,' he said.
He expressed hope that all projects will be delivered on time, without compromising on quality.
Earlier, UiTM Sarawak Rector, Professor Dr Firdaus Abdullah, noted that around half of the university's 65 academic programmes are focused on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).
'Our focus is to produce as many Bumiputeras as engineers, technologists and other professionals,' he said.
Also present were Betong MP Datuk Dr Richard Rapu and JKR Sarawak director Dr Cassidy Morris. construction sector douglas uggah embas jkr UiTM
