TAWAU: Sukarelawan Muda Sabah Maju Jaya (SMSMJ) has been officially launched to empower young people with quality human capital, skills and competitiveness to support Sabah’s future development agenda.
State Youth, Sports Development and Creative Economy Minister Datuk Nizam Abu Bakar Titingan said SMSMJ is a new initiative under his ministry to encourage positive youth development across various fields throughout the State.
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He said the initiative was introduced in line with the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) Development Plan to produce a younger generation that is highly committed, responsible and equipped to contribute to the State.
“SMSMJ is not only focused on welfare activities but was established to create a wider impact, including providing skills training assistance for other youths.
“This volunteer body will also act as the government’s official ‘eyes and ears’ to ensure information, policies and development agendas are delivered transparently to the grassroots,” he told reporters after announcing the launch of SMSMJ during the Sabah Youth Carnival 2026, held in conjunction with the National Youth Day 2026 celebrations at the Tawau Sports Complex, recently.
Nizam said SMSMJ differs from existing youth non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and is not placed under the Sabah Youth Council (MBS), but is directly monitored by the Ministry of Youth, Sports Development and Creative Economy.
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He said participation in SMSMJ is open to youths aged between 18 and 30, including those outside existing youth organisations, school leavers and young people who are not currently involved in formal groups.
“The focus is not limited to youths active in existing youth NGOs but also provides opportunities for young people outside the system to develop a spirit of volunteerism,” he said.
Nizam said SMSMJ would serve as a new model for youth development at the State level by promoting volunteerism, inspired by the Federal Government’s Rakan Muda programme.
He added that SMSMJ volunteers could also assist in disseminating accurate information on State Government policies, including the 14 initiatives introduced to empower youths and the latest Rumah Belia SMJ initiative, which provides 10 housing units in each State constituency throughout Sabah.
“Through SMSMJ, members will be trained to assist local communities in understanding government policies, disseminating information and guiding them on applications for various assistance and incentives provided by the government,” he said.
Nizam urged youths to take the opportunity to join SMSMJ, which provides them with an active role in governance and access to early information on government initiatives.
He also advised youths not to be easily influenced by negative elements that could affect their future and prevent them from benefiting from development opportunities.
Meanwhile, newly appointed SMSMJ chairman Ahmad Daniel, 21, said the group has so far attracted almost 40 volunteers and is working to increase its membership through digital platforms and social media.
“We are ready to carry out the responsibility entrusted to us, not only in welfare and volunteer activities but also in delivering information on government policies and initiatives to the grassroots, especially youths.
“We will open online registration for volunteers below the age of 30 through our social media platforms before involving them in organised activities,” he said.
