KUCHING (Sept 18): Sarawak must intensify efforts to develop human capital in its maritime industry, particularly by producing more skilled seafarers and shipbuilding professionals, said State Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin.

He stressed that human resource development is critical to ensure sustainable growth as the state modernises its shipping and navigation sectors.

“One of the key forums today is on Maritime Human Capital Capacity Building for Sustainable Growth. Human capital, whether it is seafarers or shipbuilders, we need all these people,” he said when officiating at the launch of the inaugural Sarawak Maritime Day 2025 here today.

Lee acknowledged that a shortage of seafarers remains one of the industry’s biggest challenges.

“The question is skill. How do we develop the skills in our maritime industry? I understand there is a shortage of seafarers, and I think this is a challenge.

“How do we attract more young people to join and become seafarers? I know it is not easy,” he said.

While seafaring is demanding, Lee said it also offers rewarding opportunities.

“Seafarers on big ocean liners have to be at sea for nearly a month from port to port. But if you understand the industry better, when they are ship captains, they are doing very well.

“They say when they are out at sea, they don’t have to spend a single cent. When they come back, it is all savings,” he said.

He said Sarawak needs to invest in facilities and institutions to train not only captains and crew but also ship engineers and other specialised roles.

“When we talk about seafarers, we are not just talking about ship captains and the crew, but also ship engineers and all those.

“Similarly, in the maritime industry, we need all these professionals to support the service,” he said.

Lee also emphasised the importance of safety, digital skills, and sustainability in modern shipping.

“Safety, navigation in the era of digital shipping — that is another area we need to look into. Nowadays, when we talk about the shipping industry, we also talk about sustainable development goals, green energy, and digitalisation.

“These are new challenges we need to overcome,” he said.

He noted the industry is moving towards alternative fuels such as methanol, ammonia, and hydrogen, which will require new expertise and training.

Lee further recognised the role of local river transport operators, including traditional penambang services that have adopted electric boats and e-hailing platforms.

“We honour the tireless efforts of every individual from seafarers and port workers to shipbuilders and pak penambang who are the backbone of this essential industry,” he said.

Sarawak Maritime Day 2025 was held in conjunction with the International Maritime Organization’s World Maritime Day, themed “Our Ocean, Our Obligation, Our Opportunity”.

The event also saw the handover of Kumpulan Wang Pusat Perdagangan Laut (KWPPL) scholarships worth RM1.02 million to 23 Sarawakians and 21 Sabahans.

Also present were State Deputy Transport Minister (Riverine and Marine) Dato Henry Harry Jinep, Malaysia Marine Department Director General Datuk Dickson Dollah, IMO International Maritime Law Institute (IMLI) Director Prof Dr Norman Martinez Gutierrez, Marine Department Sarawak Region Director Bianus Muyou, and Sarawak River Board Controller Lt Col (Rtd) Ding Tiew Wong.

Credit: Jude Toyat, The Borneo Post 2025