Hub for Johorean youths

1 Mohamed Khaled (walking, right) and Ismail (behind Mohamed Khaled) looking at the various activities being carried out by youths at the launch of the Johor International Youth Hub. 2. A teenager climbing a tree as part of the activities lined up for the event. — Bernamapic

JOHOR BARU: Youths in the state can now frequent the Johor International Youth Hub (HBAJ) to engage in youth-related activities.

Mentri Besar Datuk Mohamed Khaled Nordin said the hub was a platform for youths to show that they also have a role to play in nation building.

He said the state government would give youth organisations and associations the freedom to organise events or programmes deemed suitable at the hub.

“You know what is good not only for you but also the society and we will support you, young people,” said Mohamed Khaled said at the opening of the HBAJ at the Johor Baru City Council Urban Forest Park here.

Also present at the event were the State Youth, Sports, Cultural and Heritage chairman Datuk Zulkurnain Kamisan and Iskandar Regional Development Authority (Irda) chief executive officer Datuk Ismail Ibrahim.

The setting up of the hub was an initiative by Irda and Iskandar Malaysia Youth Council.

Mohamed Khaled said the establishment of HBAJ was in line with efforts to turn Iskandar Malaysia into an international metropolis by 2015.

“We are not only focusing on the physical development of Iskandar Malaysia but we have also given equal attention to human capital development initiatives,” said Mohamed Khaled.

He said if the hub was able to achieve its target of promoting healthy activities among youths in Johor, then the concept would be introduced to other districts in Johor.