http://www.theborneopost.com/2011/07/19/govt-dedicated-in-developing-orang-ulu-youths-%E2%80%94-rep/

by Samuel Aubrey, reporters@theborneopost.com. Posted on July 19, 2011, Tuesday

KUCHING: Despite the government’s efforts to send youths from ethnic minorities for skills training, there are still those few who chose to remain jobless, choosing to return to their villages after successfully completing their training.

Telang Usan assemblyman Dennis Ngau said that during his visits within his constituency, he met Orang Ulu youths who had returned to their settlements despite possessing skill certifications which guarantees good income.

“They were hesitant to venture into the job market, and some were even undecided giving the excuse that they wanted to make the decision at the village. Only a few took up the offer to stay with me while they looked for jobs.

“Some even blamed the government for not providing them with work. These youths should have the commitment to look for jobs because the skills certificates they posses can land them a job anywhere,” he said during a welcoming dinner for 36 participants of the Prime Minister Department’s sponsored Skills Training Programme for Ethnic Minorities (PLKEM) on Sunday.

On PLKEM, Dennis said this truly represented the BN government’s commitment to ensure ethnic minorities in the interior are not left behind from the mainstream of development.

He believed PLKEM would ensure a balanced socio-economic development and social wellness within the community and provide quality human capital for Sarawak’s Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE).

“The PLKEM is a unique and exclusive programme for Sarawak’s ethnic communities in terms of capacity building for SCORE. As a representative of the ethnic communities, I want to express my appreciation to the federal government for providing allocation and opportunities for our youths,” he said.

PLKEM and other skills training programmes for school leavers are the most effective method to empower ethnic minorities to stand on their own feet he said.

Meanwhile, Sarawak Human Resource Development Council for School Leavers executive secretary Dr Zufar Yadi said the PLKEM has benefitted 915 youths from the state’s ethnic minorities since 2009, involving allocations of RM28.5 million.

He said the targeted groups are Penan, Tagal, Bukitan, Bisaya, Lun Bawang, Kenyah, Kedayan, Punan. Kiput, Kayan, Saban, Murut, Berawan, Kejaman, Kelabit, Bakong, Sekapan, Dusun, Sebob and other ethnic minorities in Sarawak based on the interpretation of the Federal Constitution. Under this programme, the youths are sent to six training institutes namely Pusat Latihan Pembangunan Belia (PLPB) Kuching, Sarawak Skills Development Centre (PPKS) Kuching or Miri, Pusat Latihan Kemahiran Yahos, Pelita Maslaut Maritime Training Centre, Kolej Yayasan Sabah and Kolej Yayasan Negri Sembilan.

He revealed that the youths are given financial assistance of RM6,000 to RM7,000 for every level of skill certification to cover training fees, accommodation, hand tools, sustenance allowance and return transportation.

“The allowance for transportation is for student who comes in from his village and when he returns, not just one way. It covers the costs of transportation even by 4WD vehicle from the village to the airport,” he said.

The 36 participants have come from Kapit, Belaga, Bintulu, Baram, Miri Limbang and Lawas. They would be enrolled at the PLPB Kuching managed by the Chief Minister Department’s Quality and Human Resource Management Unit.