Budget 2023 will drive youth empowerment programmes, says Ahmad Faizal

JOHOR BARU: Youth empowerment will be among the key initiatives to be addressed through Budget 2023, to be tabled in Parliament on Oct 7.

Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu said youth development programmes were carried out by the government to ensure a stable future for Malaysia.

“Programmes such as Malaysia Future leaders' school are able to spur and unearth potential leaders among our youth.

“The implementation of Undi18 helps create (awareness) among the youth about their responsibility, and we need to create more efforts to empower them,” he told a press conference after opening SMK Bandar Baru Uda's mini arena stadium here on Tuesday (Sept 13).

Ahmad Faizal added that besides youth empowerment, the ministry was also keen to enhance sport as a culture among Malaysians.

He said his ministry wanted to enliven the local sports industry through such programmes as the Malaysia Sports League, Little League and others that would also have an economic spillover effect.

“For example, the Malaysia Sports League will involve more than seven million people from all over the country. It will be held at every level including villages and residential areas.

“The athletes will need proper equipment and apparel, as well as training under the guidance of coaches, that would lead to job opportunities for our former athletes,” he said, adding Malaysians would also become much healthier and fitter.

Ahmad Faizal also said the ministry planned to enhance esports, which has huge potential for growth.

“I believe the Finance Ministry will provide an adequate allocation for us to carry out such programmes next year,” he added.