STARTING next year, Penang’s youth age limit will be lowered from 35 to 30.
However, state youth and sports committee chairman Daniel Gooi (pic) said agencies at both state and federal levels would continue using the current upper limit of 35 during the transition, to avoid disqualifying applicants.
He described the measure as a “soft landing” to ensure young people do not lose access to housing schemes, development programmes or other entitlements.
Gooi said the state had been working with youth organisations in recent years to prepare them for the change.
As of Nov 17, 5,906 individuals hold office in youth organisations across Penang, with 3,219 or 55% below the age of 30.
“In the meantime, those above 30 but still within the previous youth age limit will remain eligible for incentives and programmes such as the mobility incentive, i-Saraan Plus, entrepreneurship schemes, state funds and volunteer initiatives, all of which will continue up to age 35,” said Gooi.
“This ensures continuity for youths now aged 31 to 35 and prevents organisations from suddenly losing active members who still rely on youth support mechanisms.
“The state government will continue providing assistance to ensure a smooth transition,” he said in his winding-up speech at the state assembly.
On the sidelines, Gooi noted that the national youth age limit was already set at 30.
He said the high number of office bearers under 30 in Penang reflected strong readiness among younger leaders, who have been taking charge of the state’s youth bodies.
“The transition process is ongoing and the state aims to further strengthen youth development initiatives as the new age limit takes effect,” he added.
