MIRI: The Sarawak Government has pledged RM50,000 to support Sea Scout activities in the state while launching the Miri Sea Cub Scout Unit, marking a significant step towards nurturing leadership and volunteerism among children from an early age.
Announcing the allocation at the closing of the Sarawak Sea Scouts Marine Education Camp and the launch of the new unit at Piasau Boat Club today, Sarawak Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, said the government would continue investing in programmes that build character, discipline and civic responsibility among young people.
Abdul Karim, who is also Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development, said the formation of the Miri Sea Cub Scout Unit would allow children to be introduced to the values of scouting earlier, helping shape responsible, resilient and community-minded future leaders.
“Programmes such as these provide young people with opportunities to learn leadership, teamwork and volunteerism while steering them away from negative influences,” he said.
Abdul Karim said the Sarawak Government, through the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development, had funding and youth facilities available to support organisations organising programmes that benefit young people.
He encouraged scout groups throughout Sarawak to continue organising activities and to make full use of government assistance, stressing that financial support was available for initiatives that contributed to youth development.
“Our objective is to see more quality programmes organised throughout the year, not just as one-off events. Investing in our youth is an investment in Sarawak’s future,” he said.
Abdul Karim also highlighted the wider economic benefits of major events organised in Sarawak, saying tourism, sports and youth programmes generated business opportunities for hotels, homestays, restaurants and small traders.
He noted that Sarawak was currently hosting several major events attracting both domestic and international visitors, creating positive spillover effects for local communities and businesses.
Congratulating the Sarawak Scout Council and the organising committee for successfully conducting the marine education camp, Abdul Karim reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to supporting initiatives that strengthen youth development, foster unity and cultivate a stronger culture of volunteerism across Sarawak.
The ceremony was also attended by Sarawak Scout Council Deputy President, Datuk Mohamad Safri Datuk Abdillah; Deputy National Chief Scout Commissioner, Mohd Hilmi Abu Bakar; Sarawak Chief Scout Commissioner, John Lim Boon Beng; and Sarawak Deputy Chief Scout Commissioner and organising chairperson, Fauziah Pata.
