TUARAN: Young people are not merely future leaders but also economic drivers and key agents of change needed today to realise the aspirations of the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) development plan.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor said the State Government would continue its commitment to empowering youth through various forms of assistance, funding and skills training to enable them not only to seek employment but also to create job opportunities for others.
He said strategic emphasis would also be placed on ensuring that young people are equipped with high-level skills, including through Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), to meet the demands of future industries.
“The State Government has made youth development one of its priorities because young people are not merely future leaders but also economic drivers and key agents of change we need today to realise the aspirations of the SMJ development plan,” he said when officiating at the Tuaran Youth Tamu Carnival 2026 at the Padang Istiadat here today.
Hajiji said the State Government had allocated RM98.06 million to the Ministry of Youth Development, Sports Advancement and Creative Economy (KBSK) for 2026, covering human capital development funds, grants for youth associations, the sports sector and youth entrepreneurs through the Sabah Youth Entrepreneur Success Scheme (SYABAS).
“In addition, the Rumah Mesra Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) initiative also provides housing assistance to young newlyweds, while the Chief Minister’s Young Thinkers initiative offers a platform for Sabah youth to participate directly in the formulation of state development policies.
“The Sabah Youth Assembly also serves as a platform for youth unity and representation to discuss issues and the direction of youth development through a new implementation format under the supervision of the relevant ministry,” he said.
Hajiji said young people were important assets in determining the direction and future of the state, adding that Sabah was blessed with talented, creative, skilled and highly motivated youth.
He said the State Government’s policies and initiatives must be translated into programmes that genuinely address the needs of young people.
On the organisation of the Tuaran Youth Tamu Carnival, he said the programme demonstrated that young people were not merely the generation that would eventually inherit the leadership of society and the state, but also strategic partners of the government in driving economic, social and community development today.
He said the carnival provided a platform for young people to gather, exchange ideas, showcase their talents, expand their businesses and build collaborative networks.
He said the traditional tamu was more than just a marketplace, as it formed part of Sabah’s rich community heritage, connecting traders, small entrepreneurs, farmers, artists and local communities.
“When we combine the tamu concept with the enthusiasm and creativity of young people, we can create a more dynamic space for entrepreneurship, cultural activities, sports, wholesome entertainment and knowledge sharing,” he said.
Hajiji hoped the carnival would continue to provide opportunities for young people to promote local products, showcase artistic and cultural talents, participate in competitions that build self-confidence and strengthen ties among communities.
He said such activities should form part of continuous efforts to nurture independent, disciplined and competitive youth with strong character and identity, while also producing new entrepreneurs, business collaborations, employment opportunities, community networks and ideas that could be further developed in the future.
Hajiji said the State Government would remain committed to strengthening Sabah’s development according to its priorities, available resources and its own development approach.
He also expressed hope that young people in Tuaran would serve as an example to youth in other districts in terms of creativity, volunteerism, entrepreneurship and community unity.
He said the success of youth development also depended on the determination of young people themselves, family support, community commitment and cooperation from all parties.
He hoped the Tuaran Youth Tamu Carnival 2026 would achieve its objectives, benefit the community and serve as a catalyst for more youth development initiatives in Tuaran and throughout Sabah.-pr/BNN
