With extensive experience in the public sector, Datu Jafri began his career with the Public Works Department from 1989 until 1990. The following year, he joined Kuching North City Hall, where he spent over 20 years in various senior roles, including Head of the Contract Division and Deputy Director of Infrastructure Services. There, he played a key role in all development contracts and urban infrastructure projects.
From 2012 to 2022, he contributed to state-level governance at the State Financial Secretary’s Office, focusing on statewide procurement policy, registration systems for contractors and consultants and contractor development initiatives – work that helped build stronger, more transparent governance structures.
Since November 2022, he has been serving as the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Utility and Telecommunication Sarawak. In this role, he is responsible for overseeing the planning and delivery of essential utility services across the state, including water supply, electricity, gas distribution and telecommunications infrastructure.
Datu Jafri holds a bachelor’s degree in Quantity Surveying from the University of Technology Malaysia.