Perak: A proposal to introduce a RM500 First-Time Marriage Incentive for youths in Perak is set to be submitted to the relevant State Executive Council member for further discussion and refinement, with aims for inclusion in the 2027 state budget. The initiative, aimed at easing the financial burden of young couples entering marriage, was unanimously approved during the recent fifth sitting of the Perak Youth Assembly.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Perak Education, Higher Education, Youth and Sports Committee chairman Datuk Khairudin Abu Hanipah emphasized the state government's commitment to supporting young people. He noted, "We view this as a positive initiative that demonstrates the state government's care and concern by providing some assistance to newly married couples." Khairudin shared these remarks while representing Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad at the state-level National Youth Premier Award and the State Youth Special Award 2026 presentation.
The proposed incentive targets youths aged 15 to 35, in line with the Youth Development and Sports Act 2007. Eligibility criteria include applicants being Perak natives or residents of the state for at least a decade. The final details are subject to deliberation and approval by the State Executive Council, with an anticipated finalization before the state budget presentation in November.
While discussing youth initiatives, Khairudin highlighted the National Premier Youth Award, which includes categories such as male individual, female individual, and youth organization, along with the State Special Youth Award's seven categories funded by the state government. He expressed hope that the award recipients would inspire more active participation in youth organizations, fostering leadership, skills, volunteerism, and integrity among Perak's youth.
Award recipients underwent thorough assessment by an independent panel of youth development experts and former state youth leaders. Winners of both awards received trophies, certificates, and cash prizes ranging from RM1,000 to RM10,000, depending on their category placement.
In the State-level National Premier Youth Award's male individual category, Muhammad Amizan Lokman, 28, from Hulu Perak, secured the top spot, with Muhammad Saiful Hanif Khairi, 29, from Muallim, as runner-up, and Muhammad Awliya Mohd Fauzi, 25, from Kerian, in third. The female individual category saw M. Ashhwina, 20, from Larut Matang, winning first place, C. Vhainmathy, 21, from Kerian, as runner-up, and Nicole Tiuk Yu Xuan, 20, from Hilir Perak, in third.
In the youth organization category, the Larut Matang District Youth Council emerged victorious, followed by the Federation of Malay Students of the Peninsula (Ipoh Branch) and the Malaysian Youth Clubs Association (Teluk Intan Area).
Winners of the 2026 Perak State Special Youth Award received RM2,000 in cash, alongside a trophy and certificate, in categories such as charisma, entrepreneurship, resilience, young volunteerism, sports, persons with disabilities, and uniformed associations.