Kuantan: Mental health, fairer starting salaries, and opportunities to strengthen skills are among the issues Pahang youths hope will be addressed in Budget 2027.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Pahang Youth Council president Saharuddin Ahmad emphasized the need for enhanced mental health awareness efforts. He proposed that campaigns should not only provide treatment services but also increase awareness at the community level, encouraging young people to recognize early signs of mental health issues and seek help promptly.

Saharuddin suggested utilizing digital platforms to conduct widespread campaigns, making information more accessible. He also stressed the importance of adjusting starting salaries to better reflect young workers' skills and rising living costs, advocating for adequate income to help meet basic needs, save, and plan for home ownership.

Meanwhile, R Darrshan, chairman of the Taman Aneka Jaya Unity Youth Club (BPJAYA), highlighted the need for improving young people's knowledge of taxation, particularly the Inland Revenue Board's (LHDN) e-Filing system. He argued that government assistance should extend beyond financial aid to include education, preparing young people for their tax responsibilities.

Darrshan proposed informal and accessible tax education programmes through collaborations between the government, youth associations, and local non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

Additionally, Mohd Zhafran Md Zin, chairman of the Pahang Traditional Archery Association, urged government support for alternative sports that promote physical activity, discipline, and skill among youths. He highlighted traditional archery as a means to engage young people in beneficial activities while introducing them to the country's heritage and skills like making bows and arrows.