KUCHING: The state government will pay for Sarawak Scouts to attend the 25th World Scout Jamboree (WSJ) which will be held in South Korea in August next year.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said that the state will look for funds to sponsor the group of scouts from the state.
“The cost is RM8,000 per person. So, you just let me know. We will help by finding the funds for the scouts to attend the event.
“This is part of investment in terms of empowering individuals. So, you can send five or 10 people, if we can send 20 people, we send 20 people, and I will look for the funds,” he said.
He gave this assurance when officiating at the Sarawak First Rover Moot at Kuching Waterfront today.
Abang Johari, who is also the Sarawak Chief Scout added the state government through Sarawak Scouts Council (SSC) president Tan Sri William Mawan Ikom would continue to assist the scouts in the state.
“Let’s continue this partnership with scouts from other countries and I believe with this, we will contribute to a world that is peaceful and comfortable,” he said.
Earlier, acting National Scouts chief commissioner Prof Datuk Dr Mohd Zin Bidin said that Malaysia would like to send a substantial number of scouts aged between 13 to 17 years old.
“I’m taking this opportunity to appeal to the Premier to sponsor as many scouts as possible from Sarawak to attend the 25th WSJ,” he said.
On the cost which is RM8,000 per person, he said it is inclusive of Jamboree Fee, return flight tickets, inland transfer, insurance and Jamboree kit.
“If each YB (elected representative) could sponsor a scout from their constituency at federal and state level, we could have at least 113 scouts from Sarawak to attend the 25th WSJ,” he said.
Meanwhile, according to the scout.org website, the 25th WSJ will take place from Aug 1 to 12, 2023 in SaeManGeum, Jeollabuk-do, Republic of Korea.
The event will allow the young people to realise their dreams, make friendships with people from different cultures, and take part in a safe, inclusive and sustainable programme.
The theme of the Jamboree is “Draw your Dream”, representing willingness to accept young people’s ideas and opinions, and create an opportunity for them to make their Jamboree dreams come true.
