Kota Kinabalu: Almost half of the 2,541 jobs created by Petronas' Sabah Oil and Gas Terminal (SOGT) project in Kimanis in the month of May were filled by Sabahans.Deputy Chief Minister cum Infrastructure Development Minister Datuk Raymond Tan Shu Kiah said the figure, which is 1,142, is 3.38 per cent lower compared to the month of April because some of the construction works have been completed.
"For Sabah Ammonia Urea (Samur) project in Sipitang, a total of 1,202 jobs were created up till June 2013. Out of this number, 611 jobs were filled by Sabahans and out of this 611, 233 jobs were filled by Sipitang locals," he said.
Tan was replying to Kuala Penyu Assemblyman Limus Jury on the number of jobs created among locals in the area through SOGT mega project in Kimanis and Samur project in Sipitang during question time at the State Legislative Assembly, Tuesday.
He said, for Samur project, the jobs created can be divided into permanent and temporary jobs.
"During construction phase, most of the jobs are on temporary basis, which is approximately 4,662 job opportunities. However, during this phase, there are also a small number of permanent jobs offered.
"The total number of permanent jobs will increase after the Samur plant is completed. Total permanent employment is estimated at 360," said Tan.
He added that once Samur operates fully, Sabah Economic Development and Investment Authority (Sedia) and Sipitang Oil and Gas Development Corporation Sdn Bhd (SOGDC) will play their parts in ensuring that these jobs would be filled by Sabahans.
Meanwhile, Agriculture and Food Industry Assistant Minister Datuk Sairin Karno said upgrading works for the irrigation system in Bingkor Irrigation Scheme has started since 2010.
"The Federal Government has approved an allocation of RM2.2 million to carry out upgrading works along 3,160 metres of irrigation canals in Kg. Sasaie and Kg. Jaya Baru.
"The works were started in 2010 and completed on March 21, 2012," he said in reply to Bingkor Assemblyman Datuk Jeffery Kitingan on when the government will upgrade Bingkor's irrigation systems.
The remaining works that would be done under the scheme involves upgrading works along 10,000 metres of irrigation canals.
"This work proposal with the cost of RM24 million will be submitted for approval under the Eleventh Malaysia Plan," he said.
