KUCHING: The headquarters of the Scout Association of Malaysia, Sarawak Branch, will be rebuilt with enhanced facilities to strengthen youth development in the state.

Sarawak Premier and Chief Scout of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg said the project, estimated to cost RM20 million, is not merely the construction of a new building but is also aimed at creating an ecosystem and social support network for young people.

According to him, the headquarters, currently known as the Tun Openg Building, will be equipped with new facilities, including a hostel that will also function as a hotel for Scout members from across Sarawak, as well as a dedicated gallery showcasing the history of the Scout movement in the state.

“What I want is an ecosystem and social support system that we must provide for young people to secure their future.

“This building will become one of the pillars of social support, enabling the Scout movement to continue educating young people in discipline regardless of their social background,” he said.

He said this while speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony for the Scout Association of Malaysia, Sarawak Branch Headquarters in Batu Lintang on Saturday.

He added that the building symbolises the spirit of collaboration, with facilities such as the hostel providing accommodation for youths as well as a space for discussions on the future, not only of the Scout movement but also of communities throughout Sarawak.

Commenting further on the project allocation, the Sarawak Premier suggested increasing the original RM20 million allocation due to the addition of several components to the building’s design, as well as rising construction material costs.

However, he did not announce the amount of the additional allocation, saying that consultations with the project architects are still required to determine the overall costs, particularly for the proposed new components in the building design.

For the record, the headquarters building of the Scout Association of Malaysia, Sarawak Branch, was almost completely destroyed in a fire on February 6, 2024.

Also present were Adviser in the Office of the Premier of Sarawak and President of the Sarawak Scout Council Tan Sri Dato Sri William Mawan Ikom, Vice-President of the National Scout Council Dato Mohamad Safri Datuk Abdillah, Vice-President of the Sarawak Scout Council Jumaat Ibrahim, and other distinguished guests. -UKASnews

Prepared by: Ahmad Daniel Faiz
Photos: Ameerul Shafiq Khir
Translator: Uilson Ng