Kota Kinabalu: The Sabah Youth Council (MBS) has raised concerns over the implementation of the Youth Age Limit Act, which is set to come into effect on Jan 1, 2026, saying it could hinder youth development in the State.
MBS President Abqaree Fawwaz Abekan said the current age definition of youth as between 15 and 30 does not reflect the socio-economic realities in Sabah, particularly in rural areas.
He said delayed access to education, later entry into the job market, and infrastructural challenges meant many young people in the state only reach economic and social maturity beyond the age of 30.
“There are still major gaps, especially for rural youth in terms of education and skills readiness,” he said in a statement, Friday.
He said many complete their basic or tertiary education later due to logistical issues and limited facilities.
He also emphasised enforcing a strict age cap at 30 would exclude a large segment of youth in Sabah who still require policy support and inclusion in development programmes.
MBS is proposing that the youth age range be revised to between 15 and 40 years to ensure that national policies remain inclusive and reflective of ground realities.
The Council said its proposal is in line with the principles of inclusion and rural community empowerment outlined under the Sabah Maju Jaya development roadmap.
