Perak to set youth organisation age limit at 30

The Star

18-05-2025

IPOH: Beginning next year, youth organisations will see their membership age capped at 30, says a Perak executive councillor.
State education, higher education, youth and sports committee chairman Khairudin Abu Hanipah ( pic ) said the structural change is aimed at ensuring youth activism continues in a dynamic and progressive manner.
'This year will be the final year for the existing age limit of 40 under the Youth Societies and Youth Development (Amendment) Act.
'This change follows careful planning and organisational restructuring,' he said after opening the state-level National Youth Day Carnival here yesterday.
'I believe most youth organisations are already preparing to comply with the new regulation. We hope this will ensure they continue to operate actively and smoothly under the new framework,' he added.
Citing 2025 data from the Statistics Department, Khairudin said there are about 708,700 youths aged 15 to 30 in Perak, representing 27.6% of the state's population.
'The youth represent a strategic demographic that will shape the direction and future of the state over the next decade,' he said.
Khairudin also encouraged all youth organisations in the state to remain inclusive by involving representatives from diverse backgrounds, including those from rural and suburban areas.
'Women, the Orang Asli community and youths with disabilities should also be included to ensure every group is well represented in the state's development agenda,' he said.
Separately, Khairudin said the state government plans to introduce courses to increase youth involvement in the dirty, dangerous and difficult (3D) sector.
These efforts, he said, will be coordinated with the Youth and Sports Department and the state Youth Council.
'Based on our findings, we may include 3D skills courses as part of our efforts to strengthen human capital development, especially among the youth.
'With training and support, interested youth can gain the necessary skills and view the 3D sector as a viable income source.
'Many do not know where to begin or which channels to access. With the right information and exposure, more youth may be willing to venture into this field.
'If we view the 3D sector as one that can help youths earn a living, then perhaps the state Youth Council and Youth and Sports Department could take the initiative to offer proper exposure, courses and guidance,' he added.
Responding to questions about the lack of youth interest in 3D jobs, Khairudin said it may stem from misconception.
'This may be a new sector to them and they may not fully understand the opportunities it presents, especially in terms of income generation and career development,' he added.