KUCHING: The gap in social relations between the youth and society or community has become a concern to the nation.
According to the Malaysian Youth Index study conducted by the Malaysian Youth Development Research Institute, the cause of the gap is due to their lack of involvement in community activities.
Deputy Minister of Youth and Entrepreneur Development (Entrepreneur Development) Dr Ripin Lamat stated that the government always expects that the youths will come forward to follow any government activities and programmes so that the gap will be further reduced.
“As we know, the youth are a valuable asset for the country and should be given attention so that they can be brought together in the development process of the country holistically by creating an atmosphere of peace, harmony and a spirit of love for the country.
“For that, it is important for associations or clubs to make sure that these youths can be active and always be able to fill their free time with useful activities.
“This is because practicing a healthy life and being active in sports will help produce a healthy line of generation,” he said.
He said this when officiating at the closing ceremony of the National Youth Day 2022 at Stadium Perpaduan Kuching on Saturday (Sept 24).
He also pointed out that various youth development and sports initiatives have been implemented by the government to appreciate and highlight the potential of the youth.
“From year to year, the government through the Ministry of Youth and Sports, my ministry and other agencies always join hands together to provide special programmes and activities for the youth.
“We always strive to strengthen the quality of Malaysian youth from various aspects through sports, youth and young friends programmes that have been implemented continuously since the beginning of the year.
“With this, it is hoped that this year’s National Youth Day celebration can have a significant impact that will further increase the spirit of love and patriotism for the youth to continue contributing to the development of society and the country,” he said.
On another matter, Ripin also disclosed that he will propose a youth exchange programme to the Youth, Sports, and Entrepreneur Development Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
“This programme will highly benefit the youth to be more open minded by experiencing what there is to see in other people’s country.
“From the experience that they gained, they would be able to learn them and bring what they are taught to our country,” he said.
