Service of vehicle repairers now more essential, says minister
SIBU: Automobile repairers are becoming more important as roads have taken over rivers as the main mode of transportation in Sarawak.
Given the building of more roads like the Pan Borneo Highway and the coastal road, they would become a necessary part of the service industry to motorists, noted Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian.
“The role of automobile repairers will be gaining discerning importance towards the future,” he spoke during the Sibu Automobile Repairers Association ( SARS)’s 40th anniversary dinner at a hotel here on Saturday.
The event also held the giveaway of study incentives to students who excelled in last year’s public examinations, as well as the presentation of monetary contributions to several charity organisations.
Sibu MP Oscar Ling, Dudong assemblyman and Sibu Municipal Council chairman Datuk Tiong Thai King, and SARS chairman Councillor Teo Ngiing Poh were among those present.
Dr Sim also noted that in the modern era, automobile-making would shift to high- technology system and there would come a day when certain automobile models would run on the road without a driver.
Even with such a scenario, the service of automobile repairers would still be very much required, he added.
He also said repairing of automobiles would be done in a high- tech way in the future, instead of manually as it is done today.
In this regard, there is a need to train automobile repairers to go high-tech, he added.
On the request by SARS for an industrial estate, Dr Sim said he would bring up the matter to the attention of the Chief Minister.
Touching on education, he said children ought to strive hard in their studies as good education is the best investment for a successful future.
“If they have achieved good education and become successful, they should remember their parents and be thankful to them. They should return to their roots and contribute to society,” Dr Sim reminded.
Earlier in his speech, Teo said over the years SARS had played a significant role in representing and enhancing the role of the local automobile repair industry.
He said being a non- profit entity, it is financed entirely by members’ subscriptions, entrance fees and surpluses arising from specific activities.
Membership of the association, he added, is drawn from all categories of automobile workshop owners such as engine and mechanical repairs, lubrication, vacuum and carwash, commercial vehicle repairs and body constructions, automobile electrical services, radiator and exhaust repairs, car and audio accessories, car upholstery and cushion services, and bodyshop services ( panel- beating and spraypainting).
Teo said the association is also open to companies linked with the automobile repairs industry such as parts suppliers, workshop equipment suppliers, oil companies, car manufacturers and similar establishments to allow them to forge business contacts with automobile workshop owners, and also to keep abreast with the latest development in the industry.
He called upon members to always stay united so as to face any obstacles with ease.