IEM Sabah Branch strengthens ties with state govt

KOTA KINABALU (Feb 20): The Institution of Engineers Malaysia (Sabah Branch) (IEM Sabah) paid a courtesy call on Deputy Chief Minister I and Minister of Works and Utilities Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Joachim Gunsalam at his office to strengthen cooperation between the engineering profession and the Sabah State Government.

The meeting provided a platform for constructive engagement on professional development, technical collaboration and infrastructure-related issues that are critical to Sabah’s continued growth.

Leading the delegation was Datuk Ir. Ts. Mohd Yaakob Hj Jaafar, Branch Chairman of IEM Sabah.

Other members of the IEM Sabah present were Ir. Ts. Tan KJ, JP, Vice Chairman 1; Datuk Ir. Willy Chin, Immediate Past Chairman; Ir. Randy Kuan Luk Cheong, Committee Member; Ir. Ts. Petrocelli Joseph, Co-opt Member; Ag. Khairul Akmal bin Kamaludin, IEM-YES Immediate Past Chairman; Lydia Lisa Edward, IEM-WE Deputy Chairperson.

During the courtesy call, the IEM Sabah team introduced the Branch’s Executive Committee and briefed the Minister on the institution’s role in upholding professional standards, technical competency and ethical practices among engineers in the state.

A key focus of the discussion was the establishment of closer cooperation between the Ministry of Works and Utilities (KKR) and IEM Sabah, particularly in the area of training and capacity building for graduate engineers serving in agencies under the ministry, including JKR, JPP and JANS. Through joint technical trainings and seminars, the collaboration aims to encourage more engineers to join IEM as Graduate Members and to progressively advance towards Corporate Membership and professional engineer (Ir.) status.

IEM Sabah also expressed its readiness to provide structured training, mentoring and professional guidance to help engineers meet the requirements for professional registration, thereby strengthening the local engineering talent pool in both the public and private sectors.

In addition, both parties exchanged views on other relevant matters, including the planning and coordination of utility corridors, as well as the potential for IEM Sabah to offer technical input and professional assistance to the ministry on issues related to traffic congestion and public transportation.

The courtesy call concluded with a shared commitment to continue close engagement between the State Government and the engineering fraternity, with the common goal of supporting sustainable infrastructure development and improving the quality of life for the people of Sabah.