MIRI: Miri has been selected to be the centre for a Sea Scout Academy, the first one in the state.
Sarawak Scout Commissioner Sudaryo Osman said Miri’s location near the sea and easy access from neighbouring countries can draw more international participation from Asean countries.
“Miri is an ideal location among Asian countries and its seafront can provide for Sea Scout activities,” Sudaryo said in his speech during ‘Majlis Anugerah Pingat Peringatan 100 tahun Perpengangkap Negeri Sarawak’ held Saturday night.
Lee (standing fifth left) cutting the centenary cake with Scout leaders.
According to Sudaryo, in three years from now, Miri will be able to produce more youth scouts and senior leadership in the Miri Scout District with local activities and training centred at the academy.
He urged all parties including the district office, local community, scout headquarters and state government to work together to make the Sea Scout Academy in Miri a reality.
He said other Asian countries including Brunei, Sabah and Kalimantan Indonesia can make use of the academy as a role model in Asia.
“With close cooperation from Brunei and Indonesia scouts, I am confident the Sea Scout Academy will be established and boost Miri District Scouts,” he said.
Earlier, Sudaryo disclosed that the state scout movement now counts 62,000 students, 3,000 leaders, 378 senior leaders, which is an increase of 30 per cent from last year.
He said it was a new record since scouting was established in Sarawak in 1913.
Meanwhile, Senadin assemblyman Datuk Lee Kim Shin, who officiated at the occasion, welcomed Miri’s selection as the base for the Sea Scout Academy.
He said scout leaders in Miri have shown commitment and cooperation at many levels, with district, state and national activities. Lee was confident the announcement of the academy means a bigger role for Miri to host more international scouting events in the city.
Lee also announced a grant of RM5,000 for Miri Scout District.
Also present was the Brunei Scout Commissioner.