MIRI: The Miri Scouts’ office in Krokop here will undergo significant upgrades by next year.
The assurance was given by Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Labour, Immigration and Project Monitoring) Datuk Gerawat Gala.
However, this commitment depends on the Sarawak Scout Foundation chairman Arthur Lee providing a tenancy of at least three years for the premises.
“I will make sure the upgrading of the office in Krokop will be done by next year, provided that Arthur Lee can secure a minimum of three years tenancy for the premises,” Gerawat said during the inauguration ceremony on Tuesday (Aug 27) for Miri District Scout Council members and the appointment of the local assistant district commissioner
The Krokop premises has served as the Miri Scout Centre since the 1990s. However, the building is now in a dilapidated condition, making it unsuitable for scout activities.
During the event, Gerawat pledged an additional grant of RM8,000 to the Miri Scouts for this year, with a commitment of RM20,000 the following year.
Gerawat was also appointed as president of Miri Scout Council during the event.
“So far, I have provided a grant of RM10,000 to the Miri Scout Council in 2023 to support their annual programmes and activities,” he added.
Earlier in the evening, Miri Scout Council chairman Caroline Siburat highlighted the urgent need for refurbishment of the Krokop premises in her opening remarks, noting that the Miri Scout Centre is in dire need of refurbishment to continue serving the local scouting community.
Currently, there are 13,000 registered scouts statewide, with 2,500 young members and 450 adult members in Miri alone.
The event was also attended by deputy president of Sarawak Scouts Council Datuk Mohamad Safri Datuk Abdillah, Chief Scout for Sarawak Capt Zainuddin Tan Sri Hamdan, Lee, Miri Education Officer Mariam Monek, and Miri district commissioner Mary Karl.
