Kota Kinabalu: A total of RM300,000 has been allocated to fund various youth recreational and sporting activities in the state constituencies of Petagas, Tanjung Aru and Tanjung Keramat to promote healthy lifestyles.
The joint initiative with Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Shahelmey Yahya who is also Tanjung Keramat Assemblyman, was announced by Petagas Assemblyman Datuk Awang Ahmad Sah Awang Sahari.
Speaking at the final match of a football tournament organised by Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah Youth Wings at Fut8, Sembulan, on Sunday, Awang said the programme is a long-term commitment to youth empowerment.
“This tournament tonight marks the final showdown among 18 teams. The response has been overwhelming.
“These are the types of activities that bring young people together, not just to compete, but to build relationships and stay active,” he said.
He explained that the annual tournament, now in its second consecutive year, is just one of many youth-centred programmes envisioned under the RM300,000 fund.
“The financial support will go toward programmes that encourage youth participation in sports, recreational activities, and other constructive engagements.
“We aim to help young people aged 18 to 40 interact, grow and maintain good health,” he said.
Ahmad said the fund would be managed by a joint committee comprising youth leaders and representatives from three local NGOs based in Petagas, Tanjung Aru and Tanjung Keramat.
These NGOs will work alongside appointed youth and women’s wing leaders from the three state constituencies to coordinate programmes that meet the needs of young constituents.
“One of the NGOs will chair the main committee, but all three will collaborate to design impactful activities. The goal is collective, community-driven planning,” he said.
He added that the official presentation of funds is expected to take place within the next two to three weeks, led by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
“I’ve made it my mission to ensure that any young person from Petagas, Tanjung Aru or Tanjung Keramat who applies for a scholarship will get the support they need.
I’ve taken many of these applications personally to the State Government.
“So far, only a few have been rejected, usually due to their household income exceeding RM12,000 or RM13,000 per month.
“We are not doing this for politics alone. This is about building a generation of Sabahans who are healthy, well-educated, and ready to lead,” he said, stressing that education remains a key pillar of his youth development strategy.
