PUCHONG: The Prime Minister has suggested that awards be given to selected 1Malaysia For Youth (iM4U) volunteers to add value to their volunteerism work.
Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said deserving young recipients shall be given bronze, silver and gold awards, giving them an edge in their future work or school applications.
"I hope this award will add value to volunteerism. Whether it’s for applying for university, jobs or joining the government sector.
"It is not just about your academic qualifications. It is also about leadership. Quality leadership is what makes all the difference," he said in his speech at the launch of iM4U Sentral in Puchong near here Saturday.
Najib said volunteers were not only changing society but they were also transforming themselves despite the lack of monetary reward.
"Monetary reward cannot replace the value of volunteerism to the country, community and yourself. If we manage to transform ourselves, then the reward is bigger than any allowance you can get," he added.
Najib said the government's role was to prepare funds, venues and create opportunities for the youth.
"But in the end, it is all in our mind. It is in our attitude. The purpose of this iM4U Sentral is not just a place for fun or gathering, but it is also to generate ideas to change and shape the community," he said.
The new youth centre which stands on a 5.58-acre site was formerly a sports centre.
Its facilities include a two-storey hostel that can accommodate 157 people. The hostel has a shared lobby, laundry, pantry and community
bathroom.
The centre's sporting arena is equipped with two futsal courts that can convert into a FIFA-sized football court, a gymnasium, and courts for basketball, volleyball, sepak takraw, linear par course and climbing wall for training.
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