Latest news with #FederalTerritories-level
New Straits Times
18-05-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Youths make up majority of road accident deaths, says Zahid
KUALA LUMPUR: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has expressed concern over the high number of road accident fatalities involving youths. Zahid said the situation called for urgent and coordinated intervention from youth groups, the government, and the private sector. "On average, 6,000 people die in road accidents each year. Ninety per cent of those who perish are youths," he said at the closing ceremony of the Federal Territories-level 2025 National Youth Day celebration here last night. Zahid, who also chairs the Cabinet Committee on Road Safety and Congestion, illustrated the scale of the tragedy by comparing it to six football fields filled with graves, each field representing 1,000 lives lost. "We must prevent this from continuing, as we are losing a vital part of our productive workforce. This must be stopped," he said. He urged the Malaysian Youth Council and state-level youth councils, including those in the Federal Territories, to take proactive measures. "Organise special courses for young motorcyclists, covering road safety and motorcycle maintenance," he said, adding that Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara) had the capacity to support such efforts. "In this situation, we must not act in silos. "We must work together with ministries, departments, agencies, the private sector, and non-governmental organisations," he added.
New Straits Times
18-05-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
TVET boost for e-sports, green tech gets Zahid's full support
KUALA LUMPUR: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has expressed full support for proposals to expand special Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes for youths, including those involved in e-sports. Zahid, who is also the national TVET chairman, said this in response to a proposal by Federal Territories Youth Council president Khairul Rizam Abu Samah to introduce tailored TVET offerings for youths active in e-sports. "I agree that a dedicated TVET programme should be provided for youths in the Federal Territories who are involved in e-sports," Zahid said at the closing ceremony of the Federal Territories-level 2025 National Youth Day celebration here last night. Zahid, who is also the Rural and Regional Development Minister, invited Federal Territories youths to join the growing field of competitive gaming. "I invite youths from all backgrounds in the Federal Territories to register with UniKL and enrol in their e-sports course free of charge," he said. He also endorsed a proposal to strengthen automotive training within the TVET ecosystem, with a particular focus on electric vehicle technology. Zahid further supported the implementation of special programmes for Federal Territories youths centred on green technology. The deputy prime minister highlighted the need for responsive leadership across all levels of government. "Leaders at both national and state levels, regardless of age, must understand the mindset and preferences of the younger generation," he said, adding that Gen Z and Gen Alpha now make up the largest demographic in the country. He also urged youth organisations to adapt to changing times. "I hope that conventional programmes under the Malaysian Youth Council, its affiliates, or any other youth associations will evolve accordingly," he said.
