KUCHING: The Sarawak government has set aside a sum of RM12 million to upgrade the Scout campsite at Matang near here with better training facilities.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said that the Sarawak Scouts Council (SSC) led by its president Tan Sri William Mawan Ikom has approached him for the funding and he has agreed to it.
“We have the land, but there is no place for training. So I told the scouts that if you are willing to work, I will help you by setting aside RM12 million to upgrade the Matang campsite.
“The camp is very nice, it is situated in the mountains in Matang. But one thing, you must also preserve the area because our policy towards 2030 is about inclusivity and sustainability,” he said when officiating at the Sarawak First Rover Moot at Kuching Waterfront today.
Abang Johari, who is also the Sarawak Scout chief added that the scouts also play an important role in contributing to environmental sustainability.
“The key word in the industry now is environmental, social, and governance (ESG).
“If the whole world is concerned about the environment, the future of the next generation will be guaranteed because we want to deliver them a good ecosystem,” he said.
Meanwhile, acting National Scouts chief commissioner Prof Datuk Dr Mohd Zin Bidin said it was heartening to know that the Premier fully supported scouting activities and the rejuvenation of Matang scout campsite.
“The support given is deeply appreciated by the scout and guide community. It is hoped that there will be continuous support in order to facilitate the planning and execution of more scouting activities for young people in future,” he said.
He added that SSC had shown their interest in upgrading the Matang campsite as a Scout Centre of Excellence for Nature, Environment and Sustainability (SCENES).
“As a SCENES Centre, SSC is committed to protecting its natural environment, minimising its environmental impact and enabling all who relate to the centre to engage with nature and are empowered to make their own personal commitment to preserve and conserve the environment,” he said.
Meanwhile, Mawan said that the SSC and Girl Guides Association of Malaysia Sarawak were working to redevelop the Matang campsite.
“With the blessings of our Premier, hopefully the project will be able to commence in the near future.
“This is going to be another landmark just by the foot of the scenic Gunung Serapi – an area surrounded by beautiful nature, fauna and flora with gigantic trees of rainforest; over 1,500 species of plants, numerous insects, creatures that surely fascinate visitors,” he said.
