SUNGAI PETANI, Feb 2 (Bernama) -- The Rakan Muda youth programme is set to empower a greater number of high-calibre young Malaysians equipped to lead the nation in the future.
Minister of Youth and Sports, Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari, stressed that the initiative needs to be implemented comprehensively, including in rural areas, schools, and universities.
"Our commitment is to nurture more future leaders and more young people of quality, individuals ready to assume the reins of national leadership.
"This is why we are focused on continuing to empower the Rakan Muda programme. For 2025, RM20 million was allocated, and for 2026, we have secured RM40 million to significantly enhance its scope and impact," the minister announced.
He was speaking after presenting scout uniforms to 240 students from 14 schools in the Sungai Petani parliamentary constituency at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Bandar Puteri Jaya, near here, today.
Muhammed Taufiq highlighted that the Rakan Muda programme encompasses ten lifestyle pillars: Rakan Demokrasi, Rakan Litar, Rakan Aktif, Rakan Bumi, Rakan Digital, Rakan Ekspresi, Rakan Muzik, Rakan Mahir, Rakan Niaga, and Rakan Prihatin.
"We will also engage with the Kedah State Education Department and District Education Offices to coordinate the programme at the school level.
"The Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBS) will design, organise, and carry out a launch to further strengthen and expand the programme’s reach,” he said.
He also presented cheques totalling RM790,000 for the refurbishment of schools in Sungai Petani under the Mesra Rakyat Programme at the event.
"Under this programme, RM2 million has been allocated for nearly 40 schools in this parliamentary area. Almost all secondary schools, national as well as national-type Chinese and Tamil schools, have received contributions.
“This funding is intended to improve infrastructure and transform schools into digital, comfortable and interactive learning environments," he said.
-- BERNAMA
