Miri mooted as site for Sarawak’s first Sea Scout Camp

Lee (centre) receives a souvenir from Safri (second left) during the Sarawak Sea Scout Marine Education Camp 3.0 in Miri. Photo credit: UKAS

By DayakDaily Team

MIRI, June 28: Miri has been proposed as the site for Sarawak’s first Sea Scout Camp, a move seen as a major boost to youth development and marine scouting training in the State.

According to a report by Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS), Sarawak Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin said the coastal city is highly suitable for the facility due to its strategic location and existing infrastructure that supports sea-based activities.

He said the establishment of a dedicated training centre would help nurture more young people and students to participate in the scouting movement, particularly Sea Scouts.

“With a dedicated training centre, we can train more young people and students to get involved in the scouting movement, particularly Sea Scouts,” he reportedly said when officiating the Sarawak Sea Scout Marine Education Camp 3.0 in Miri on Friday (June 26).

Lee added that Miri’s sailing facilities also make it an ideal location for practical training in sailing and other marine skills, which are key components of Sea Scout activities.

He proposed that the Sarawak Scouts Council submit a formal proposal together with a development plan to Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg for consideration.

He also expressed support for the initiative, noting that Sarawak currently does not have a dedicated Sea Scout academy.

Earlier, Lee was briefed by Sarawak Scouts Council deputy president Dato Mohamad Safri Datuk Abdillah on a proposal to develop a plot of land along the Miri coastline into a Sea Scout Camp, which, if approved, would be the first of its kind in Malaysia.

He also highlighted Sarawak’s more than 1,000km coastline and extensive river network, saying there is a need to equip youths with maritime-related knowledge and skills.

“I urge participants to become ambassadors of environmental sustainability by playing an active role in protecting rivers, seas and coastal ecosystems from pollution and unsustainable activities,” he said.

Lee added that marine education opens up career opportunities in shipping, logistics, marine engineering, port operations, and maritime science and technology.

He said the Sarawak Government remains committed to supporting youth development programmes focusing on education, leadership and environmental sustainability as a long-term investment in the state’s future.

The Sarawak Sea Scout Marine Education Camp 3.0, held from June 25 to 28, brought together 173 participants from Sarawak, Sabah, Melaka, Pahang, Terengganu, as well as Pontianak, Indonesia. — DayakDaily