SIBU: Saberkas is poised to become an agent to produce the manpower needs of Sarawak, triggered by the vibrant development in SCORE.

Moving in that direction, its president Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg said they had identified a research centre in Samarahan for setting up a laboratory, utilising latest technology in producing fruits and flowers.

“We are collaborating with the Ministry of Science through Mosti. This is a pilot project funded by the federal government together with Saberkas. There, our members with diploma or degree in agricultural science will be given training.

“After they have successfully completed the 18 months’ training, they will start with their own entrepreneurship programmes. They can put to good use their knowledge acquired at SCORE areas, in particular, Halal Hub, identified as a food basket area.

“We are focusing on the halal hub where YB Abu Seman Jahwie is coordinating on this,” Abang Johari, who is Tourism Minister told thesundaypost after ‘Majlis Ramah Tamah Aidil Fitri’ for central zone cum Saberkas leadership award on Friday night.

He was asked if Saberkas had programmes to produce more entrepreneurs in Sarawak.

“This is our training programme and definitely will produce lots of entrepreneurs,” Abang Johari, who is also Housing Minister, said.

On manufacturing and heavy industries, he said they were training youths in these fields.

Citing Sibu, he said, they were collaborating with Kolej Laila Taib (KLT) to train youths in these areas, adding that Nangka assemblyman Dr Annuar would monitor on this.

He said they had collaboration with Tegas to provide training.

Earlier in his speech, he said with a new membership composition of 70 per cent of its members aged 45 years and below, and 30 per cent aged above 45, it would ensure the organisation remained relevant with the rapid pace of development.

The new structure, he noted, would ensure the organisation stays vibrant as it is led by experienced leaders.

“We need experienced leaders as Saberkas is the largest organisation in Malaysia with asset.”

He added the structure blended well with the demographics of the state where about 60 per cent of the population are those aged 45 years and below.

He described Saberkas, with 71 branches in all the state constituencies, as the best example of 1Malaysia concept where members are multi-racial.

Abang Johari also stressed the importance for members to acquire ICT skills to stay abreast with constant changes.

He disclosed that the organisation’s state exco had decided that a Netbook be provided for all its branches.

“In that way, branches would be linked to the headquarters to ensure information can be obtained speedily,” he said.

On why Saberkas was registered under ROS and not ROY, he said this was because they did not wish the structure of the organisation to be changed.

Meanwhile, 46 members from the central zone received the Saberkas leadership awards with state exco member Jason Tai heading the list.

Among those present were Assistant Tourism Minister Datuk Talib Zulpilip, vice-president Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali and secretary-general Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi.