Take up skills training to reduce reliance on foreign labour, Sarawakian youths urged

KUCHING (March 17): Sarawak youths are encouraged to take up skills training at Akademi Pembinaan Malaysia (ABM) as part of the government’s efforts to reduce reliance on foreign labour in the construction sector.

Deputy Works Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Maslan said ABM graduates trained in areas such as crane operation, wiring, air conditioning, and mechanical ventilation, have a 100 per cent employment rate in the industry.

“Those with ABM skills will be prioritised for G1 licences, allowing them to handle major projects professionally and earn higher wages,” he told a press conference after a dialogue session with personnel of Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) and federal Public Works Department (JKR) here.

Ahmad noted that this move is part of a broader strategy to strengthen the local workforce and ensure that Malaysians are equipped to meet the demands of the growing construction industry.

“Skilled local workers with G1 licences can take over demanding jobs, earn well, and help strengthen the construction industry,” he said.

He encouraged school leavers who cannot enter university to focus on practical skills, noting that skilled contractors often earn far more than untrained workers.

“By equipping our local youth with construction skills and granting them G1 licences, they can command higher wages and take over demanding jobs currently dependent on foreign workers.

“This is a golden opportunity to secure high-paying, stable jobs in a growing industry,” said Ahmad.

A G1 licence, formerly known as a Class F licence, is for contractors with proven construction expertise.

Ahmad highlighted that ABM operates six centres nationwide, including a main centre in Kuching and branches in Sibu, Miri, and Bintulu.

The academy offers 58 courses across Malaysia, with 41 available in Sarawak, covering mobile crane operation, single-phase wiring, slinger and rigger, air conditioning and mechanical ventilation, chargeman, and architectural drafting.

“ABM courses provide practical skills in construction and 100 per cent of graduates secure employment in the industry,” he said.

Ahmad highlighted that between 2023 and 2025, 5,927 youth nationwide completed construction competency courses, while 13,699 were trained as construction personnel.

In Sarawak alone, 365 youth completed competency training and 837 were trained as construction personnel.

Looking ahead, Ahmad said ABM plans to introduce courses in joint making, ready-mix concrete, cable work, railway construction, and diving.

He said that building skills goes beyond technical training, urging participants to also learn project and financial management to become competent contractors.

“The sector always needs skilled personnel. I urge Sarawak’s youth to take advantage of this programme and build their careers in construction,” he said.