‘Help improve working environment at construction sites’

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Wong (centre) presents a memento to Lee as Lai looks on.

MIRI: The Institution of Engineers, Malaysia (IEM) Miri branch has been told to play its role extensively in helping to improve the working environment at construction sites.

Minister of Transport, Datuk Lee Kim Shin, pointed out that a lot of issues occurring at construction sites pose risk and danger to workers.

“These issues require engineering solution which I believe is possible. Generally, most of us would just follow (instructions) and seldom come up with ideas that are creative.

“Few years ago, I gave IEM Miri a challenge to help reduce construction wastes such as broken bricks, steel bars and timber waste lying around the construction sites.

“Eventually, IEM Miri carried out a study and managed to come up with a cost saving solution. There are a lot of problems that occurred at construction sites that have yet to be resolved and IEM could step in to help with engineering knowledge,” said Lee when officiating at the IEM biennial dinner at a local hotel last Saturday (Feb 29).

Soft soil, he added, is another problem faced by developers particularly at Kuala Baram area.

“Until today, there is not one who could come up with solution on how to stabilise the peat soil and perhaps IEM could look into this and see whether they can find any solution to this,” Lee suggested.

He stressed the importance of maintaining the quality and standard of engineering as this profession plays a vital role in the development of a country.

“Curtin Sarawak is one of the best tertiary institutions that offer the best engineering courses with world-class standard. Curtin engineering students have been said to perform better than those from other institutions. I believe in the quality of Curtin’s engineering students and I hope that they will maintain it,” he said.

In support of IEM’s activities and programmes, Lee pledged RM10,000 for more collaboration between IEM and other agencies to organise more interesting events.

Assistant Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Datuk Sebastian Ting, who also attended the dinner, presented a cheque for RM10,000 to IEM Miri chairman Ir Sean Wong in support of their events.

Also present were IEM Malaysia president Ir David Lai Kong Phooi, IEM Sarawak chairman Haidel Heli, Engineering Institute of Cambodia chairman Leang HY, IEM Miri immediate past chairman and organising chairman Ir Dr Lau Hieng Ho and Miri Fire and Rescue Department Zone 6 chief Supt Law Pok Kiong.