Kuala lumpur: The allocation of RM40 million for the Rakan Muda Programme in the 2026 Budget marks a significant increase of RM15 million compared to the previous year, aimed at strengthening youth personality development through a community-based approach. Malaysian Youth Council (MBM) president, Mohd Izzat Afifi Abdul Hamid, highlighted the importance of channeling part of this allocation directly to youth organizations nationwide to foster the identity, integrity, and fighting spirit among young people, especially in rural and underprivileged areas.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the MBM president also welcomed the RM250 million allocation for the 2026 National Service Training Programme (PLKN) as it aims to instill identity, national spirit, and a culture of volunteerism among the youth. Additionally, the K-Youth Programme initiative by Khazanah Nasional, worth RM200 million, targets on-the-job training for 11,000 youth without degrees in strategic sectors such as semiconductors, machinery, digital, and technology.
MBM acknowledged the substantial increase in allocations for the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector, a key focus of the country's youth development strategy. This increase reflects the government's ongoing commitment to producing highly skilled youth aligned with the demands of the evolving job market, thereby supporting the national economic transformation agenda.
With the upcoming adjustment of the age limit for youth from 15 to 30 years starting in 2026, Mohd Izzat expressed hope that the Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBS) ensures all current youth development initiatives remain unaffected and inclusive of emerging youth groups. In this context, MBM called for the RM150 million financing initiative under Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN) and RM12 million under the SME Corp Bumiputera Youth Entrepreneurs' Budding Programme to be extended to the 31 to 40-year-old demographic, who are still active and productive in the nation's social and economic activities.
"MBM remains committed to continuing to dialogue and collaborate with the government in making efforts to drive the national economy and strengthen an inclusive, progressive, and competitive youth development ecosystem," Mohd Izzat stated.