KUANTAN: Welding supervisor A. Gunaseelan has no regrets leaving his comfort zone to take up a job offer with the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) at the Section 10 Kuantan Port City (KPC) site here.
Six months into his new job, the 40-year-old has been savouring the moments as not only does he have to manage 12 workers,he also has the opportunity to learn new welding methods using machines.
"I spent 15 years working as a mobile welder in Ipoh, Perak but the experience in ECRL is something else. I gained new experience with centralised welding using machines and modern technology… my previous experience as a welder in Ipoh was totally different.
"I have 12 staff under my supervision and handle the rail arrangements for the welding process, and assign the workers to their daily tasks. I am learning something new about welding every day and being part of this major rail project is a lifetime opportunity," he told reporters when met at the rail welding workshop yesterday.
Meanwhile, Gunaseelan, who works daily between 8am and 6pm except Sundays, said the work site is equipped with all the facilities and the workers safety is given top priority at all times.
"I am glad that I decided to move from Perak to work in the east coast as I have gained new knowledge about welding techniques and the latest technologies used for the rail works," he said.
Meanwhile, senior quality surveyor Nor Azlin Nadira Abd Rahman said taking up the job offer at Section 10 has allowed her to be closer to her hometown in Dungun, Terengganu.
"I was previously working in Kuala Lumpur but when there was an opportunity in Kuantan, I decided to join. The working culture is a little bit different including we get two hours of break time daily so there is enough time to have our meals and rest.
"I handle most of the administrative tasks including commercial and payments. I am planning to take up Mandarin classes this year so that it will be easier for me to communicate with various groups of people at the site," said Nor Azlin, who joined ECRL more than a year ago.
Meanwhile Section 10 public relations senior executive Chan Chee How described the rail project here as having helped create a lot of job opportunities for the local community and those living in the vicinity.
"Jobs offered consist of various levels including professionals, skilled workers and general workers.There is a lot to learn in terms of working culture and I believe it is something encouraging for the locals especially when having the rare opportunity to work with colleagues from other countries.
"My job scope is to maintain good ties with the local community and engage them through various programmes organised by the project's main contractor, CCC-ECRL(China Communications Construction Sdn Bhd)," he said.
The Section 10 ECRL site also consists of workers accommodation where two staff occupy one air-conditioned room equipped with a private bathroom and water heater. There are about 100 rooms.
The other facilities at the workers' accommodation includes a canteen, library, gym, prayer room, basketball and futsal court, and television room.