KUCHING: The State Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Entrepreneur Development is worried about social issues concerning youth in the state.
Deputy Minister Datuk Gerald Rentap said among the social issues are drug abuse cases.
“We have gathered the information from Royal Malaysian Police (PRDM) and this issue (drug abuse) is not only occurring in the city but also in the rural area as well as followed by stealing cases.
“So, we have to look into this and plan a proper future for the youth so that they would not be involved in these unhealthy activities,” he said in a press conference after chairing the Sarawak-level National Youth Consultative Council (MPBN) at Imperial Hotel on Today (Sept 10).
Rentap added the drug abuse issue will be one of the five motions which will be brought up to MPBN at the national level.
On another motion, he said it was to ensure employment opportunities among the youth in the area.
“There is an issue where many Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) leavers do not want to further their students but prefer to become e-hailing riders or food riders. And I think this is because of the new economy.
“But they need to change their mindset and make sure they further their studies and have proper education,” he pointed out.
The third motion, Rentap said, is to curb the issue of illegal racing activities that is getting more rampant.
“We need to provide an avenue for youth enthusiastic in motorsports in view of increasing illegal racing activities.
“Hence, there is a plan for Sarawak to build a proper racing circuit for motorsports and possibly in Petra Jaya,” he said.
However, he said the establishment of the racing circuit must be properly organised and should include the setting up of a motorsports club.
“This is very important because there must be someone who is responsible since there is risk when it comes to racing activity and we do not want any unwanted incidents,” he said.
Apart from that, he mentioned the other two motions are to empower management of youth clubs and associations and to provide incentives to active youth clubs and associations.
“We need to prepare enough human resources to meet the needs of the new economy that the state is focusing on such as the hydrogen economy, carbon trading, carbon storage, and Industrial Revolution 4.0.
“Otherwise we will not be prepared to become a developed state by 2030,” said Rentap.
Also present were Sarawak Youth and Sports Department director Lamat Nyalau and deputy director (Youth Development) Ronnie Boniface Nugi.
