Latest news with #Saberkas
Borneo Post
2 days ago
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Sarawak's decision to keep youth age limit at 40 ensures broader inclusivity, policy participation
Datuk Michael Tiang SIBU (July 14): Maintaining the youth age limit at 40 will ensure broader youth inclusion and policy participation, said Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government Datuk Michael Tiang. In voicing his support, he said the state's decision to maintain the age limit reflected its practical and people-oriented approach to autonomous policy-making. 'This policy position, as highlighted by Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts and Saberkas president Dato Sri Abdul Karim, is formulated based on Sarawak's unique social context, economic structure and actual needs in youth development. 'In Sarawak, particularly in rural and less urbanised areas, many youths are still pursuing higher education, undergoing skills training or just beginning to build their careers and families by the age of 30. 'Redefining youth as only those under 30 would immediately exclude a large segment of Sarawakian young adults aged 30 to 39 who are in the prime of their personal development, family building and civic engagement—severely limiting their access to resources, participation in policymaking, eligibility for entrepreneurship aid, involvement in youth organisations and opportunities for advancement,' said the Sarawak United National Youth Organisation (Saberkas) vice president. He added many government programmes and initiatives would no longer cover the majority of Sarawak's actual youths if restricted to those under 30, and that lowering the youth age limit comes with its own challenges and issues. 'We understand the federal government's intention to redefine the youth category more precisely to better allocate resources. However, in a vast and socioeconomically diverse state like Sarawak, simply replicating federal policy may not yield the best outcomes.' He also highlighted several problems that may arise if the age limit was rigidly lowered, such as a reduction in policy coverage that excludes a large group of Sarawakian youths between the ages of 30 and 39, as well as leadership gaps in youth organisations. 'In Saberkas, for example, our organisational model specifically reserves 30 per cent of leadership positions for experienced members over 40 years old to guide and work alongside the 70 per cent younger members. This distinctive Sarawak model helps ensure continuity in leadership and mentorship,' he said. Tiang also touched on the disruption in talent support, as many aspiring entrepreneurs and professionals in their 30s would no longer be eligible for youth-focused government support, but by retaining the current definition of youths as 'aged 40 and below', more would be able to access extended opportunities for personal growth and participation in public policy, social services and community development. 'Other benefits include receiving greater career and entrepreneurial support, including grants, loans and training from the government, and playing stronger leadership and driving roles in politics, civic organisations and social development. 'This inclusive approach allows youths to continue being recognised as vital contributors to the state's progress over a longer life stage and aligns better with Sarawak's people-centric development vision,' he said. age limit Michael Tiang youth
Borneo Post
3 days ago
- 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
03-07-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Saberkas plans own HQ with multi-purpose hall to strengthen youth outreach
Abdul Karim (seated centre) speaks to reporters at the press conference, accompanied by Saberkas deputy president Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu (seated right), secretary general Safiee Ahmad (seated left) and other exco members. – Photo by Mohd Faisal Ahmad KUCHING (July 3): The Sarawak United National Youth Organisation (Saberkas) is planning to build its own headquarters complete with a multi-purpose hall, in a move to reinforce its position as the largest youth organisation in the state. Its president Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the proposal will be tabled at the organisation's upcoming meeting, and may be brought to the attention of the state government for consideration. 'I think it is time for Saberkas to have its own headquarters with a hall to rent for various purposes such as weddings and sports in the hall. 'We see how Wisma SABATI is being fully utilised, and we want the same for Saberkas,' he told a press conference after chairing the Sarawak Saberkas Supreme Exco Meeting at a hotel here today. He noted that the current Saberkas office is located on the 20th floor of Wisma Saberkas, while the 19th floor is leased to the Public Works Department (JKR). Only two floors of the building are owned by the organisation, while the remainder is under private ownership. On upcoming initiatives, Abdul Karim, who is also State Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development; and State Minister of Tourism, Creative Industries and Performing Arts announced two major youth programmes for this year – the Saberkas President's Cup Futsal Championship and the Youth Glamping Programme. The futsal tournament is scheduled for November in Samarahan, featuring attractive prizes to be finalised by the organising committee. Open exclusively to Saberkas members, it will involve participation from all 82 branches across Sarawak. 'This futsal will be a big event, and I believe the attractive prizes will attract many participants. The main condition is that participants must be Saberkas members. 'This will be a good platform to strengthen ties among youth from all over Sarawak,' he said. Meanwhile, the Youth Glamping Programme is planned for August in Layar, Betong, to offer participants a nature-based, yet impactful experience. Touching on Saberkas' overall performance, Abdul Karim said the organisation has shown strong momentum in 2025, with 55,992 registered members, 494 units, and 82 branches throughout the state. 'During the period from November 2024 to June 2025 alone, a total of 244 programs have been carried out covering social, welfare, sports, entrepreneurship, agriculture, and education activities. 'I would not be surprised if by the end of this year, the number of programs reaches 500. 'The Women's Bureau and the Saberkas Caring Unit in helping the community, especially during disasters such as floods and fires are also active in programmes,' he said. On finances, Abdul Karim said Saberkas is in a healthy position, with RM3 million placed in fixed deposits and regular income generated from its owned commercial spaces. 'We have assets that generate returns, and every month we have good collections. This situation allows us to continue planning to strengthen the organisation, including the establishment of our own headquarters,' he said. Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah headquarters HQ lead Saberkas
