ISKANDAR PUTERI: Strengthening youth development in Johor will be among the key initiatives expected to be addressed by Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi in the state’s budget for next year.
State youth, sports, entrepreneur development, cooperatives and human resources committee chairman Mohd Hairi Mad Shah said the Mentri Besar will be tabling the state budget next month.
“I have discussed with the Mentri Besar the allocations for initiatives and incentives in strengthening youth development next year.
“I am sure empowering youth will be part of his plans in 2024 as it is part of the government’s six key strategies to make Johor a developed state,” he added.
Mohd Hairi, who is also Larkin assemblyman, said this when met after chairing the state-level national youth consulting council conference at Kota Iskandar here yesterday.
He reiterated the state government’s wish to see more youth in Johor, starting from the secondary school level, to be part of youth development including being active in volunteering.
“This will be in line with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s announcement during the recent tabling of Budget 2024 in Parliament of a RM500 incentive for youth aged 18 to 20 to encourage them to be involved in voluntary work.
“We have plans to expand the Johor government’s volunteering arm, Southern Volunteers, to get more recruits from secondary schools in all 56 state constituencies as well as students from private higher learning institutions,” he said.
Earlier in his speech at the conference, Mohd Hairi said the state government has always listened to and taken the views of the youth seriously, with many initiatives to be introduced to address any issues that lie ahead.
“Youth are the backbone of a nation’s integrity and strength. Therefore, efforts should continue to be focused on improving their ability and efficiency.
“This is necessary considering the greater future challenges that the youth will face and it requires concrete preparations, especially in terms of knowledge and skills,” he added.
