MIRI: The Skills For Life programme is an initiative of the Ministry of Youth and Sports for youth, particularly those at risk and people in the B40 or M40 groups.
Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew said the programme was introduced with the aim of offering basic skills training on weekends with a do-it-yourself concept.
“This programme is offered free of charge to the youth and the local community through the implementation of short-term courses using existing equipment, facilities and the expertise of the Miri National Youth Skills Institute (IKBN) instructors.
“It indirectly contributes to addressing the high cost of living faced by the youth and the community,” he was quoted as saying in a news report by the Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS).
Ting was represented by Miri City Council councillor Leslie Lau Ik Chie at the certificate presentation and deferral ceremony of Skills For Life programme at Dewan Balau, Miri Melanau Association here yesterday (Feb 25).
He stressed that the cooperation of each party as shown by IKBN Miri and Miri Melanau Association in organising the programme is essential to help the people lead normal lives.
Meanwhile, Ting said that the hike in the cost of living, including the price of goods, will be the biggest challenge, especially for the youth this year with the inflation rate seen as a major contributor to the issue.
“The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) and the Ministry of Economy have detailed a number of quick solutions deal with the cost of living, including an action plan for cross-ministerial cooperation.
“The National Cost of Living Action Council (NACCOL) was established to identify the issues and challenges associated with rising living costs and to discuss the roles of various agencies in addressing these issues,” he said.
Ting arrived later at the function to announce a contribution of RM5,000 to the Miri Melanau Association Women’s Bureau.
Also present were IKBN Miri deputy director of Training Management Andrew Arih, Miri Melanau Association deputy president Alexius Munan and senior assistant director of youth skills development of the Ministry of Youth and Sports Fadzillah Mohamed Kasim.
