THANK YOU: Dr Kiu (right) presents a souvenir to Riot while Junerason looks on.
SERIAN: Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Serian MP Datuk Richard Riot closed the 17th State Level Youth Jungle Camp at Kampung Bunan Gega, Serian on Monday.
The activities during the three-night/four-day camping organised by the Malaysian Red Crescent, Serian Chapter included gadget/camp craft, backwood cooking, jungle trekking and rescue, cultural night and staying with families in the village to learn Bidayuh preparation of food, cakes and cookies.
The winning teams received prizes and all camp participants were given certificates of attendance at the closing ceremony.
In his speech, Riot said he was happy to see that the camp’s organising committee had achieved its theme of ‘Back to Nature’ and its objectives of providing opportunity for youth members to meet members from other chapters to exchange ideas; for participants to experience jungle and village life; and build awareness of environment-friendliness and living in peace with nature.
He hoped the participants would bring home sweet memories of their stay with families in the kampong and hoped they keep in touch to continue the fellowship.
Riot said: “Let us continue as 1Malaysia to celebrate our festivals together irrespective of race and religion.”
The camp’s organising chairman Junerason Anyew thanked everybody for their involvement in the camp. He told the participants to share with others the knowledge they had gained, like the Bidayuh preparation of food, cakes and cookies picked up during the homestay with families in the kampung.
Ketua Kaum Albert Andrew Ruha thanked Riot for his presence saying: “This is the second time this month Datuk comes over to meet us, the first one was on May 16!”
He also thanked chairman of the Malaysian Red Crescent, Serian Chapter Dr Kiu Chiong Chin and the camp organising chairman Junerason Anyew for choosing the venue for the second time.
He hoped the camp site would have water and electricity in future.