Community-Based Programme Strengthens Scouts’ Role In Sabah, S'wak

BINTULU, Jan 18 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Scouts Federation (PPM) continues to strengthen its role in shaping the character and leadership of youth in Sabah and Sarawak through the launch of Scout Groups under the Community-Based Scouting (CBS) programme in Sarawak.

National Chief Scout, Maj Gen (Rtd) Datuk Prof Dr Mohd Zin Bidin, said the CBS approach enables the scouting movement to be expanded in a more inclusive manner while remaining responsive to the needs of local communities.

He said that although school-based scouting has long made significant contributions, the community-based approach must be further expanded to ensure more youths can benefit from the initiative.

“Through CBS, scouting is brought directly into villages, residential areas and local communities, making it more accessible and closely aligned with the real needs of society,” he said when speaking at the launch of the programme here yesterday.

On the implementation of CBS in Sarawak, he said the approach is particularly suitable given the state’s vast geographical landscape and diverse communities.

Mohd Zin said CBS offers opportunities for youths, regardless of location or educational background, to join the scouting movement and benefit from character development, discipline, and leadership training.

Meanwhile, he said PPM is targeting an increase in membership from the current estimated 700,000 to 1 million over the next few years, particularly through the nationwide implementation of CBS.

The programme was officially launched by Sarawak Minister for Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development, Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom.

Also present were the President of the Sarawak Scout Council, Tan Sri William Mawan Ikom, Tanjung Batu State Assemblyman Johnny Pang Leong Ming and Deputy President of the National Scout Council, Datuk Ahmad Shazilly Ismail Bakti.

-- BERNAMA