Sabah Chief Minister Hajiji Noor highlights youth role in economic development

Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor has identified the youth as essential economic drivers and agents of change necessary to achieve the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) development plan. Speaking at the Tuaran Youth Tamu Carnival 2026, he emphasized that young people are not just future leaders but strategic partners in driving social and community development today.

To support this, the state government has allocated RM98.06 million to the Ministry of Youth Development, Sports, and Creative Economy for 2026. This funding is intended for human capital development, youth association grants, the sports sector, and youth entrepreneurs through the Sabah Youth Entrepreneur Scheme (SYABAS).

Additional initiatives include the Sabah Maju Jaya Friendly House program for young families and the Chief Minister’s Young Thinkers platform, which allows youth to participate directly in state policy formulation. Hajiji also noted the importance of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in equipping youth with high-level skills required by future industries.