RM16.89 million to develop, empower youth in Sabah

KOTA KINABALU: The State Government has allocated a total of RM16.89 million to implement various leadership, skills and entrepreneurship programs and activities to develop and empower youth in Sabah this year, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor.

Hajiji disclosed that last year, the government allocated RM2.48 million to the youth associations in Sabah, channelled through the Ministry of Youth and Sports Sabah and from the total, RM1.2 million was allocated to the Sabah Youth Council (MBS) to implement youth development programs.

He added that this year, the State Government has allocated RM100.17 million for the management and development of youth as well as the progress of sports in Sabah.

According to Hajiji, the State Government is committed to the development of youth in the state as it wants to produce a generation with quality knowledge, skills and leadership to achieve socioeconomic well-being.

“The development of human capital, including youth, is a significant driver of the state’s economic growth. The availability of highly skilled workforce is crucial to support the transition of the economy to knowledge-based, technological, and innovative activities,” he said at the Sabah Youth Council’s 26th Annual General Meeting and Appreciation on Saturday.

His speech was delivered by Deputy Chief Minister cum Works Minister Datuk Ir. Shahelmy Yahya.

Hajiji said that youths need to be equipped with knowledge, leadership and skills so that they can lead and guide society towards truth and justice.

Therefore, he stressed the importance of coordinating and implementing the strength of every agency involved in youth development according to local needs to nurture youth based on their potential and skills.

“I hope youth organisations in this state can be further strengthened so that more people can benefit from youth organizations. Emphasis on integrity needs to be enhanced so that an organization can run smoothly and achieve its objectives,” he said.

Hajiji said that when the youth can manage the system well, the organization can face the future successfully.

“There are many challenges ahead that require youth equipped with various knowledge and skills to address real-world issues. In this regard, youth should take advantage of collaborating with as many organizations as possible to find solutions for global communities,” he said.

Hajiji also wanted the Sabah Youth Council, as a strategic partner of the Youth and Sports Ministry, and the Youth and Sports Department (Federal) in Sabah, to play a crucial role in harnessing the potential of Sabah youth, whether in urban or rural areas.