Sibu shipbuilders urged to remain united
SIBU: Sibu Shipyards Association (SSA) members have been urged to remain united.
SSA chairman Ngieng Ping Sing said the association’s executive committee in particular had been able to work closely over the past two years, enabling a number of meaningful activities to be carried out.
“I hope the new committee too will have the passion and honesty in ensuring the association will scale greater heights,” he said during the association’s dinner on Monday.
Ngieng said Sibu is blessed with the Rajang River, which facilitated the growth of the shipbuilding industry.
“Sibu shipyards can build many kinds of vessels like the tugboat, barge, landing craft, cargo ship, offshore supply vessel, passenger boat, ferry and fast crew boat for the world market,” he said.
He recalled how shipbuilders were relocated to Rantau Panjang from 2002 and how they succeeded in overcoming the many teething problems. Ngieng called on the government to help support the shipbuilding industry by providing better infrastructure and financial assistance.
“Shipbuilding is a leading industry in the country and has generated huge employment opportunities,” he said.
Event organising chairman Ling Tiu Khing said shipyards were put through testing times last year.
He thanked the various government departments including the Department of Occupational Safety and Health, Department of Environment, Customs Department, Immigration Department and Labour Department for their keen support over the years.