Penang: Penang has raised allocation for its Youth Development Fund (YDF) to RM200,000 this year, reflecting its continued commitment to empowering youth development in the state.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Penang Youth, Sports and Health Committee chairman Daniel Gooi Zi Sen stated that the amount represents an increase of RM100,000 compared with last year, in line with efforts to intensify the organisation of high-impact programmes for youths. The increased allocation demonstrates the state government's determination to enhance youth potential, leadership, and capabilities through comprehensive development programmes.
Gooi further elaborated that with a larger allocation this year, Penang is committed to empowering the younger generation and ensuring they remain the main drivers of the state's development. He made these remarks at a press conference for the launch of the 2026 fund at Komtar, which was also attended by Penang Youth Development Corporation (PYDC) general manager Faizal Eddy Yusof.
The fund is an initiative under the State Executive Council for Youth, Sports and Health and marks the third year of its implementation since its introduction in 2024. Last year, RM99,800 was approved, and RM102,000 in 2024, with a total of 99 programmes successfully implemented over the two-year period through the fund.
Gooi urged youth organisations registered under the Registrar of Youth Organisations (ROY), youth wings of associations registered under the Registrar of Societies (ROS)-excluding political parties-as well as bodies established under an Act of Parliament to apply for the fund, provided the organisations are based and operate in the state. Programmes must target youths aged 15 to 35 who are from or residing in Penang, covering areas such as skills, employability, volunteerism, leadership, organisational involvement, as well as recognition or award programmes.
He clarified that sports-related programmes will not be considered under this fund as they have separate funding channels. Interested organisations may submit applications starting today until April 12 for programmes to be implemented before Nov 15, 2026. All applications must be submitted via the official YDF portal and will be evaluated carefully and professionally by the fund's evaluation committee.