Kota Kinabalu: Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh said organisations under the Sabah Youth Council (SYC) are exempt from following the new definition of youth being those aged 15 to 30, instead of till 40 previously.
This follows the amendment under the Youth Societies and Youth Development Act 2019 (Act 668). Although passed six years ago, its enforcement was delayed twice and is now scheduled to take effect Jan. 1, 2026.
It applies to organisations registered under the Registrar of Youth (ROY), but does not apply to bodies under the Registrar of Societies (ROS), such as SYC and Sarawak’s United National Youth Organisation. These groups face no age limit, allowing leaders to remain in office well past their 30s.
While ROS groups are exempt, Hannah suggested leaders over 30 who wish to continue contributing form alumni associations instead.
She said delaying enforcement of the amended youth age cap would mean those in their 30s and 40s would dominate youth organisations and silence younger voices.
“When you don’t amend, those above 30 will continue to hold positions. So you have any conferences or anything that requires youth representation, it’s those above 30, 40 holding positions that will go. Then, the same narrative will happen, i.e. that young people are not ready,” she said.
“You can still serve youth. There’s nothing stopping you from becoming a mentor or adviser. But youth clubs are for youths and their leadership must reflect that,” she said, adding that young Malaysians can already vote, marry, drive and even run for public office.
“It’s a chicken-and-egg situation. If you don’t give them space, how will they ever prove themselves?
“The older generation must learn to let go. Otherwise, young people will forever be told they’re not ready.”
Hannah said more than 900 youth organisations nationwide, including Sabah, have already amended their constitutions to reflect the new age definition.
She is confident the number would continue to grow as the Ministry offers training and support.
“If we don’t do this now, we risk falling behind. Other countries are already sending youth representatives in their 20s to international platforms.
“We can’t be sending 40-year-olds and still call them youth. This is about opening leadership space for the young people of today, not holding onto positions meant for a generation already grown,” she said.
