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Borneo Post
13-07-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Abd Karim: Sarawak maintains 40-year youth age cap despite federal shift
Abdul Karim (seated third left) with other guests in a photocall with youths after officiating at the BELIA GoBiz@Limbang 2025 programme held at Dewan Suarah in Limbang yesterday. MIRI (July 13): Sarawak will maintain its current youth age limit of 40, despite the federal government's decision to lower the national youth age cap to 30, which is set to take effect in January next year. Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Minister Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said Sarawak retains the autonomy to determine its own age threshold for youth at the state level. 'We are not bound by what has been decided at the federal level. For now, Sarawak's definition of youth remains between the ages of 15 and 40. 'We do not want to reduce the age limit abruptly as it would have many implications,' he told reporters when met after officiating at the BELIA GoBiz@Limbang 2025 programme held at Dewan Suarah in Limbang yesterday. Abdul Karim said various ministries, including the Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Ministry and other sectors, have programmes in place to support youth development, many of which would be affected if the age limit were lowered too suddenly. He added that setting the age limit strictly at 30 would be problematic as many individuals at that age are just completing their studies. 'If we bring the cut-off below 40, they would no longer be eligible for various forms of funding and assistance. That is why we are keeping the current policy in place for Sarawak,' he added. Abdul Karim, who is Sarawak United National Youth Organisation (Saberkas) president, also touched on the important role played by the state's largest youth-based non-governmental organisation in driving youth development across various fields. He said that Saberkas is unique in that 30 per cent of its leadership comprises individuals aged over 40, while the remaining 70 per cent must be aged 40 and below. 'This composition ensures that the wisdom and experience of senior members are passed on to guide the younger generation,' he added. Previously, federal Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh announced that the federal government would implement a new youth age cap of 30 effective Jan 1 next year, under the Youth Societies and Youth Development (Amendment) Act 2019. The current national youth age limit remains at 40 until the new policy comes into force. Also present at the function were Deputy Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Datuk Dr Ripin Lamat, Deputy Minister of Food Industry, Commodities and Regional Development Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Ismail; Batu Danau assemblyman Dato Paulus Palu Gumbang and Limbang Resident Unus Tambi. Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah age Hannah Yeoh lead youth
Borneo Post
12-07-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Sarawak plans to develop Limbang's Gunung Buda into major international tourism destination
Gunung Buda is regarded as one of Limbang's most promising tourism assets, with strong potential to attract global visitors once it becomes more accessible through the ongoing SSLR works. – Utusan Borneo photo MIRI (July 12): The state government will work closely with the Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) to develop Gunung Buda into a prominent international tourism destination, said State Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah. Speaking at the BELIA GoBiz@Limbang 2025 programme at the Limbang Civic Centre today, he described Gunung Buda as a natural treasure of global significance, boasting unique geological and ecological features that can attract both domestic and international visitors. He noted that with the future development of road infrastructure and the eventual launch of Sarawak's own airline, AirBorneo, tourism programmes and promotional efforts for Gunung Buda can be carried out more effectively. 'I am well aware of Gunung Buda and recognise its natural value. We aim to elevate this treasure in Limbang just as we have done with attractions in Kuching, and sites like Niah and Mulu in Miri. 'For Limbang, this is our gem and, God willing, we will plan its development in coordination with the SFC, as such national parks fall under their jurisdiction,' he said. Abdul Karim added that once the area is gazetted and the necessary infrastructure is in place, particularly with future AirBorneo routes, Gunung Buda can be promoted as a tourism hub. Currently, road access to Gunung Buda is being developed under the Sabah-Sarawak Link Road (SSLR) project – an important initiative expected to open up the area to international tourism. Gunung Buda is regarded as one of Limbang's most promising tourism assets, with strong potential to attract global visitors once it becomes more accessible through the ongoing SSLR works. Located in the upper Medalam area of the Limbang division, Gunung Buda National Park is home to remarkable geological phenomena, including one of the world's largest known ceiling pendants – an 'anastomosis phreatic' formation. The area has long been recognised in scientific circles and has hosted American-led research expeditions for the past 22 years. Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah Gunung Buda lead limbang tourism
