| Lyna Mohamad |
THE handling of the out-reach concept in the 1st ASEAN Rover Moot was smooth sailing, with the Rover Scouts facing every challenge in their assigned activities with great perseverance and enthusiasm.
This was stated by Brunei Darussalam Scouts Association (PPNBD) Chief Commissioner Haji Badar bin Haji Awang Ali, in his capacity as Camp Commandant, in his report presentation during the event’s closing ceremony for the event.
Haji Badar said, “There were no problems, nor any serious incidents occurring throughout the six-day event, thanks to the uniformed efforts by the coordinators and organisers, as well as the relevant government agencies and private sectors that prioritised the safety and well-being of the participants.”
In terms of cultural and art activities, the ASEAN participants were tasked with studying the traditions of the local ethnic tribes according to their appointed districts.
The participants learnt about the customs, dances and music of the Murut tribe in the Temburong District; the Kedayan tribe in the Tutong District; the Dusun tribe in the Belait District; and the Melayu Brunei in the Brunei-Muara District.
The Rover Scouts also studied the tribes’ respective cultures, which they applied in their performances with full spirit and enthusiasm at the River Scouts Night on Saturday.
Meanwhile, in the field of community service, the participating Rover Scouts lend a helping hand to clean up recreational parks and selected buildings, including the Marine Biodiversity Centre in Meragang.
Environmental-related activities were also given priority, where the Rover Scouts were given the opportunity to plant 400 local tree species such as Pokok Kayu Tolong, Pokok Kayu Kapur, Pokok Kayu Putih and Pokok Kayu Semalar, with the tree seeds provided by the Forestry Department.
The tree-planting activity was carried out in Kampong Sungai Mau, Jalan Liang, Labi in the Belait District, on a plot of land measuring four hectares that has been entrusted to the PPNBD since 2008 by the Forestry Department.
For the past 10 years, the PPNBD has successfully planted 3,100 trees using the Plant, Monitor and Maintain method for conservation purposes.
In an interview with the Bulletin, Lim Wei Yung from the Singapore Scouts Association said the ASEAN Rover Moot was well-organised, with a wide range of activities for their contingent.
“It was interesting to understand and experience Brunei’s culture, dances and music; it’s definitely an eye opener,” he said.
“I feel that if we were allowed to choose which sub-camp to participate in, it’d be more customised and fulfilling.”
Meanwhile, Ramir L Cajagus from the Boy Scouts of the Philippines said they shared the pride of participating in the very first ASEAN Rover Moot, a milestone in the ASEAN scouting arena.
“We were assigned in the Temburong District and engaged in activities such as kayaking, rafting and flying fox,” he said.
“We experienced the 2.7km river ride from the Bandar Seri Begawan port to Temburong on a speedboat, which alone is already an adventure for me, as I never experienced that back in the Philippines. It was a fast, yet smooth ride.”
In the Temburong District, they were facilitated by Outward Bound Brunei Darussalam (OBBD), and also participated in an emergency preparedness activity involving a Flood Drill in the middle of the night.
“The next ASEAN member host will be challenged to equal, or even do better than what Brunei has done, but I think it’ll be hard for them,” said Cajagus.
Mohd Alizan bin Haji Alias from the Scout Association of Malaysia (Sabah Branch) also expressed satisfaction with the various facilities provided for their comfort, in addition to the activities which he described as beneficial to Rover Scouting.
“Thumbs-up to the PPNBD and relevant agencies in making the first ASEAN Rover Moot a success, and also for the warm hospitality extended to us throughout the event,” he said.
The Malaysian contingent featured 15 Rover Scouts from Limbang, Sarawak, Sabah and Terengganu, who were accompanied by four leaders, as well as the involvement of 16 people who participated as visitors and guests during the opening and closing ceremonies.