(Front row, centre) Dr Zaliha with MBWP delegates attending the session to deliberate on various issues affecting youths. — Courtesy photo
THE decision to lower the youth age limit from 40 to 30 dominated the Federal Territories Youth Council (MBWP) meeting, amid growing concerns over the rising cost of living and a tougher job market.
Effective Jan 1 next year, Youth Societies and Youth Development (Amendment) Act 2019 (Act A1602) will come into force.
The revised Act will set the age limit for youth society office bearers to 30 instead of 40.
Speaking at the event in Kuala Lumpur, MBWP president Khairul Rizam Abu Samah said many youths were still establishing themselves in the job market by the time they turned 30.
“Most of them graduate from tertiary education between the ages of 23 and 25, after which they focus on securing jobs and starting families.
“It is only when they reach between 30 and 35 that their life stabilises, and they form networks to grow,” he said.
Federation of Peninsula Malay Students Association Federal Territories (GPMS) information chief Muhammad Nazeem Mohamed Nazari said the move would shorten the time period for youths to participate in civil societies.
“They also need time to develop socio-economically, which has become more challenging due to the rising cost of living.
“The age limit must reflect reality, not remain rigid,” he said, adding that more time was needed to cultivate new leadership in youth societies.
Speaking at the event, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) and National Youth Consultative Council Federal Territories chairman Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa said the decision to lower the youth age limit was in response to Malaysia’s changing social demographics.
“As of last year, our median age was 31, and within two decades, 14% of the population will be aged 65 and above.
“This will impact the job market, healthcare and social stability, and youths must be ready to adapt,” she said.
Dr Zaliha added that youth societies in the Federal Territories have developed a strong lineup of potential leaders, with about 150,000 members aged below 30.
This accounted for 53% of total membership across 667 registered associations, she said.
MBWP, represented by 65 delegates as well as 45 civil servants from over 30 government agencies, deliberated on various issues affecting youths.
Among topics discussed were socioeconomic initiatives, public health, affordable housing, women empowerment and development of sports facilities.
Dr Zaliha said all proposals would be reviewed by the Federal Territories Department before being submitted to the Cabinet.
