KOTA KINABALU: The RM16.89mil in Sabah’s budget next year is proof that the administration is prioritising youth development, says Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, in line with the Sabah Youth Policy 2024.

The amount was slightly higher than the 2023 budget, which saw RM16.42mil being spent on the Youth Leadership Development Programme that emphasised volunteerism and social unity.

“The higher allocation for next year clearly shows the state government’s commitment to developing Sabah youths as future leaders,” he said at the inaugural state-level Sabah Youth Carnival 2023 at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) here yesterday.

Sabah will continue to implement various leadership, skill and entrepreneurial programmes to empower youths, Hajiji said.

Last year, the state government had allocated RM10mil to introduce a new initiative, the Sabah Youth Entrepreneurs Success Scheme (Syabas), to assist young entrepreneurs during the Covid-19 pandemic lockdowns.

As of October this year, a total of 2,655 youths have received RM2,000 each and another 238 were given RM5,000 each from the scheme, said Hajiji.

Besides focusing on the main sectors under the Hala Tuju Sabah Maju Jaya plan to stimulate growth and economic recovery, emphasis was also given to the second thrust of the plan – human capital development and people’s well-being, he said.

“We also allocated RM44mil through 10 initiatives to assist youths pursuing tertiary education at private and public higher learning institutions,” he said.

“We aspire for participants to achieve higher education, unlocking greater opportunities for them and fostering resilience and creativity to carve new paths,” Hajiji said, adding, “The allocation underscores our commitment to progress in diverse fields, including the economy, education, culture and social aspects, particularly among the youth.”

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2023/12/03/sabah-youth-development-gets-rm169mil-boost-in-24