‘Shot-firers’ training course now open for registration
KUCHING: Sarawak Quarries Association ( SQA), under the auspices of the Department of Mineral & Geoscience Malaysia (JMG) Sarawak, is organising a specialist training course for ‘Shot-firers’.
SQA chairman Simon Lau stated that the two- day seminar will be held at the Imperial Hotel, Kuching from Sept 6 to 7 and aimed at preparing Shotfirers for their next practical examination.
He said the course would be a perfect refresher for those who had passed the theory examination and were progressing to the practical examination.
Only those who have the Shotfirers’ Certificate are allowed to carry out blasting works in Malaysia. Over the past four years, the SQA has conducted an annual programme to train local quarry and mining industry personnel in quarry blasting.
Blasting is an essential part of quarrying and requires special knowledge and skills. The expertise is essential to achieve economical production costs while ensuring safety and health as well as environmental protection.
All shot-firers in the industry are encouraged to participate. Those interested are urged to contact the SQA office ( Ms Tiong at 082- 342481) and register before the closing date on August 24.
The course fee is RM400 for SQA members and government staff; and RM500 for non-members.
Lau also urged quarry operators who are not yet members of the SQA to join the association. SQA provides a forum for all quarry operators in Sarawak to discuss common issues, address challenges and gather data for dissemination to members.
SQA also acts as a united platform to promote the industry and to liaise effectively with the government in order to realise the State’s development agenda.