KUANTAN: After a RM26 million makeover, the Paya Bungor Orang Asli Development Department (Jakoa) training centre in Gambang here has reopened its doors with a modern look, offering technical and vocational education and training (TVET) programmes.
Established in 1969, the centre — the only Jakoa-owned training institution — was closed in May 2015 for major construction and refurbishment before receiving its Certificate of Completion and Compliance (CCC) on Sept 26 this year.
Jakoa director-general Datuk Sapiah Mohd Nor said the centre's administrative complex had begun operations on Nov 1.
She said the new student session was expected to be held in June next year with 75 spots offered per intake.
"The centre specialises in offering courses related to sewing ladies clothing. Since 1999, about 530 trainees have completed their Malaysia Skills Certification (SKM) for levels one to four.
"Next year, the centre will offer long- and short-term courses, including TVET programmes, by collaborating with various agencies. The training centre caters for Orang Asli youth, especially Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia leavers, and the courses are fully-sponsored.
"We will offer programes that interest Orang Asli youth including repairing boats, culinary, healthcare and beauty.
"Short training courses will be offered so that they can equip themselves with necessary skills to secure jobs and earn a stable income," she said after the key handing over ceremony at the training centre here today.
At the handing-over ceremony, a symbolic key was presented to Sapiah by the contractor Felcra Bina Sdn Bhd.
Meanwhile, Sapiah said the training centre would play a vital role in helping to shape the future of Orang Asli youth, providing them with an opportunity to venture into entrepreneurship and uplift the community.
Built in an area measuring 6.07ha, the complex can accommodate up to 135 students at any one time and is equipped with a hostel, food court, staff quarters, hall and an entrepreneur workshop building as well as a Information, and Communication Technology building block.
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KW: malaysia news, news, nst, Orang Asli, Paya Bungor Orang Asli Development Department training centre, Jakoa, Datuk Sapiah Mohd Nor