KOTA SAMARAHAN — Fifteen trainees from welfare-dependent families graduated from a 10-day Basic Scaffolding – Level 1 course on Wednesday, marking the latest success of Sarawak Social Welfare Department’s (JKM) Skills and Career Development Programme (PLKK). The initiative, conducted at Kota Samarahan Industrial Training Institute (ILP), aims to break cycles of poverty through market-relevant vocational training.
JKM Sarawak Director Ismawi Mohamad officiated the ceremony alongside ILP Director TS. Azkar Albar Abu Bakar and TMR Technologies Sdn. Bhd. representatives. “This transforms lives beyond income—it elevates socioeconomic status,” stated Ismawi, revealing 88% of 224 PLKK participants since 2022 secured full-time jobs in their trained fields. The current cohort comprised family members of JKM aid recipients, with the program also serving rehabilitated youth offenders.
Despite progress, Ismawi acknowledged scaling challenges: only 0.4% of Sarawak’s 55,845 welfare recipients have accessed PLKK opportunities. He urged expanded partnerships with public and private training providers to diversify course offerings. “We need GLCs and government agencies to create targeted hiring pathways,” he emphasized, praising parental support for trainees.
The scaffolding certification—valued in Sarawak’s construction boom—prepares graduates for roles paying RM2,500-RM3,500 monthly. JKM plans additional cohorts in electrical, welding, and HVAC trades through ILP collaborations, aligning with state workforce demands.
