KOTA KINABALU: The State Government will develop the Sabah Youth Development Enactment, establishing a legal framework to strengthen the management of youth organisations, enhance recognition of youth activism, and create a more structured environment for youth development, announced Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor.
Speaking at the state-level National Youth Day celebrations held at the Kota Kinabalu Sports Complex today, Hajiji stated:
“With this enactment, we aim to provide every youth leader with the time, space, and support needed to lead confidently and continue contributing to the state without being sidelined by policy changes.”
He explained that the State Ministry of Youth and Sports (KKBS) and the Sabah Youth Council (MBS) have been entrusted with this task, including reviewing the youth age transition policy.
“KKBS and MBS will conduct a comprehensive study on the youth age transition policy, as this issue requires careful examination of social structures, organisational maturity, and on-ground realities, particularly within Sabah,” he added.
The Chief Minister reaffirmed that youth development remains a priority for the Sabah State Government, emphasising the importance of equipping young people with the skills and tools necessary to lead the state in the future.
“Under the GRS-PH administration, the State Government has implemented numerous initiatives for youth development. Political stability has created opportunities for sustained progress and people-centric policies, including those focused on youth,” he said.
Hajiji highlighted that the Head of State, Tun Musa Aman, in his policy speech, emphasised the need to prioritise youth development, especially in education, skills, and leadership.
“Therefore, the State Government has consistently endeavoured to realise the aspirations of the youth, including efforts to equip them with the knowledge and skills they require. This is to ensure that, when the time comes for the younger generation to assume leadership, they will be capable of steering the state and the nation towards greater heights,” he explained.
The Chief Minister also noted that the government has launched several initiatives and educational assistance programmes benefiting students across Sabah. New initiatives such as the Sumbangan Mahasiswa Pengajian Tinggi dalam Negeri (SENTOSA) and Sumbangan Kegiatan Sekolah Secara One-Off (SUKSES) have been introduced to broaden access to higher education and support school activities.
He stated that these initiatives are part of a broader package of 13 educational programmes, totalling RM75.5 million, benefitting students, schools, Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs), and Sabah’s undergraduate associations both domestically and abroad.
“Other ongoing initiatives this year include the One-Off Cash Assistance for IPT Registration (BUDI), the Computer Assistance Programme (BAIK), the Special Cash Examination Assistance (BAKTI), the State Education Fund Assistance (BISTARI), the Sabah Malaysia University Student Secretariat (SEMESTA), and the Sabah Student Flight Ticket Assistance (GRSSUBFLY).”
In terms of skills development, Hajiji emphasised the government’s continued focus on strengthening Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and technical training programmes within the state.
“Last year, over 179 courses in science, technology, innovation, and languages were conducted, with more than 35,000 enrolments. We also encourage our youth to explore opportunities in Sabah’s expanding oil and gas industry to build their skills and meet future energy sector demands,” he said.
Hajiji further highlighted the government’s commitment to youth development through sports, by building and upgrading sports infrastructure such as sports complexes, youth arenas, and multipurpose courts in rural areas, which are now actively utilised by local communities.
He also praised high-impact programmes such as the Sabah Maju Jaya Fellowship (Felo SMJ), the Sabah State Youth Council — implemented in collaboration with the Sabah Youth Council — and the Sabah Youth Leadership Incubator (IKEBS), which offer excellent platforms for young people to develop their leadership skills within the state’s governance ecosystem.
Expressing confidence in the Sabah Youth Council, supported by the Sabah Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBSS), Hajiji urged the council to continue leading the youth across the state with dedication.
“Let the Sabah Youth Council continue to introduce relevant, inclusive, and innovative initiatives for the holistic development of our young generation,” he said.
Finally, Hajiji called on the youth to stay united with the government and to support initiatives that benefit their welfare and the well-being of the people.
“Let us work together to maintain political stability and economic progress through cooperation and continuous support. This unity is essential for the successful realisation of development in Sabah,” he concluded.-pr/BNN
