BY ZAHID ZAKI
KUCHING: The Matang Scout-Girl Guide Campsite is set to undergo restoration and revitalization, with the project expected to be completed by the end of 2025.
Sarawak Scout Council (SSC) deputy president Datuk Mohamad Safri Abdillah said the project has been entrusted to the Public Works Department (PWD), and the tender will be opened in early September this year.
“The project’s scope will focus on the revival of this ‘barouk’ (camp) and the restoration of other facilities found here. Our aim is to provide users with improved training facilities, dormitories, and camping sites,” he said during a press interaction at the Matang Warrior Survivor Trail Run 2023 held at the camp, here today (July 2).
Safri mentioned that the camp is jointly owned by the counciland the Girl Guides, under the leadership of Tan Sri William Mawan Ikom and Datuk Dayang Morliah Datuk Awang Daud, respectively.
“We have presented our plans to Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg regarding the restoration and development of this camp. As a result, he has allocated funds for us to develop this site,” Safri added.
Meanwhile, SSC President Tan Sri William Mawan Ikom shed light on the camp’s history, mentioning that it was once a filming location for the movie “Farewell to the King.”
Additionally, it served as the inaugural venue for the Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-East Philippines ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) Jamboree in 2000, attracting over 6,000 participants from 12 countries.
“However, over time, the camp has become less active, resulting in neglect of the surroundings. Therefore, we view efforts to revive this camp as a positive step, and the public will soon witness its redevelopment,” Mawan expressed.
Also in attendance was the Chief Scout Commissioner of Sarawak, Captain Zainuddin Tan Sri Hamdan.
