KUCHING: The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) Sarawak Region is establishing a strategic partnership with the Sarawak Scouts to tackle the escalating cyber threats like cyberbullying, online fraud, scams, and other digital hazards.
The inception of this collaboration occurred during a recent meeting at the regional office of MCMC Sarawak between its Regional Director, Adiman Ajem, and Sarawak Chief Scout Commissioner, John Lim Boon Beng.
At the meeting, Adiman stressed the significance of educating young individuals, especially students and youth involved in the scout movements, about the perils present online.
He urged the scouting community to become proactive allies in spreading awareness and promoting responsible internet usage among their peers.
“This collaboration is timely and essential. Our youth are increasingly engaged online, and it is imperative that they are equipped with the necessary tools and mindset to ensure their safety and assist others in doing the same,” stated Adiman in a press release.
Both parties agreed to jointly host a series of awareness and educational programmes aimed at scout members across the state.
These programmes are designed to furnish scouts with the knowledge and skills required to recognise and evade cyber threats, as well as to inspire them to serve as advocates for secure internet practices within their communities.
Simultaneously, preparations are underway to offer exposure and training to scout leaders and members of school scout troops, guaranteeing that messages regarding internet safety reach grassroots levels throughout Sarawak.
MCMC Sarawak has also expressed a willingness to investigate the financial aspects of organising such programmes, demonstrating robust institutional backing for the initiative, considering the limited financial resources of the Scouts Association of Malaysia Sarawak Branch.
Chief Scout Commissioner John Lim Boon Beng, who welcomed the collaboration, mentioned that it complements the values instilled in their scouts, particularly focusing on keeping them safe from harm – an aspect that is being earnestly integrated into the training of scout leaders – emphasising responsibility, leadership, and community service.
“We are delighted that MCMC is interested in forming a partnership with us to safeguard and educate our youth, especially the scouts,” he remarked.
This collaboration signifies a proactive step towards addressing digital safety at the grassroots level, leveraging the discipline and extensive network of the scout movement to construct a safer digital environment for the forthcoming generation.
