PETALING JAYA: As the country moves towards becoming a high-income nation, the involvement of professionals including engineers is crucial for the many ongoing developments and construction projects, says Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.

       During a courtesy call to the Institution of Engineers Malaysia (IEM), the Transport Minister said such individuals must be equipped with technical qualifications and the social responsibility to create a safer and sustainable environment for the people.

       "IEM plays an important role here to encourage young people to join the profession through roadshows and talks.

       "This is important to bring in new blood and elements to science, technology, engineering and mathematics sectors," he said in a Facebook post on Wednesday (May 18).

       He added that the courtesy call also consisted of in-depth discussions on the sea, land and air transportation industries alongside mega projects under the Transport Ministry’s purview.

       Dr Wee said he also invited IEM representatives to visit mega project sites which included the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) tunnel.

       "The technical challenges in carrying out this project make the site visit a greater learning experience," he said.