KUALA LANGAT — In a bid to address the shortage of skilled labour in Malaysia’s expanding construction sector, the Malaysian Resources Corporation Berhad (MRCB) launched the Central Region Tower Crane Training Site at Bandar Saujana Putra today.
The facility, developed in collaboration with the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) and operated by Akademi Binaan Malaysia (ABM), is fully equipped with a functioning tower crane and dedicated facilities.
MRCB executive vice president Datuk Dell Akbar said the facility hopes to provide training that would allow trainees to have hands-on experience with the machinery in addition to learning with simulators.
Noting the current shortage of skilled crane operators, Dell pointed out that this new training facility is crucial for MRCB’s focus on sustainable building involving modular construction.
“Our commitment to modular construction is strengthened by the training that goes on in this facility where trainees learn modern construction techniques that would ensure our workforce can fulfil future needs,” Dell said in his speech during today’s launch event.
Meanwhile, touching on MRCB’s participation in the Prison’s Department Second Chance Programme (Peka), Dell said that the company has trained 460 prospects so far.
He pointed out that MRCB launched their Peka programme in 2019, and all their prospects have never returned to criminal activities.
“Today we are proud to share that 10 additional prospects will join our Peka programme,” Dell added.
Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi, who graced today’s event, pointed out that under Budget 2023, MRCB was appointed to empower public-private cooperation to ensure TVET programmes are able to fulfil industry needs, which led to a memorandum of understanding with CIDB.
He also said that the facility reflects MRCB’s commitment towards technical and vocational education and training (TVET) initiatives, noting that RM1 million was spent to develop the site.
“MRCB offers work placement to TVET graduates. This gives trainees a taste of what it’s like in the working world which is crucial for facing challenges in the construction sector.
“I believe with a facility as modern as this one, we can create a high-quality workforce that would contribute to developing Malaysia’s economy,” Alexander said.
The Central Region Tower Crane Training Site is located at MRCB’s Casting Yard in Saujana Putra which was previously involved in the LRT 3 project.
The LRT3 project, which runs from Bandar Utama to Johan Setia in Klang is projected to begin in the fourth quarter of 2025, with completion anticipated by the end of 2027.
In 2019, at the same venue, MRCB launched their participation in the Peka programme in collaboration with the Prisons Department. – November 11, 2024