Kuala lumpur: The federal government remains firm in its decision to lower the youth age limit to 30 years, effective January 1, 2026, in line with amendments passed by Parliament in 2019, said Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh. This decision underscores the government’s commitment to aligning with global trends that focus on the younger generation.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, organisations like Sarawak’s main youth body, Pertubuhan Belia Kebangsaan Bersatu Sarawak (SABERKAS), are exempted from the ruling because they are registered under the Registrar of Societies (RoS), rather than the Registrar of Youth Organisations (ROY). This exemption acknowledges the unique registration status of certain bodies that do not fall under the purview of the recent legislative changes.

Hannah Yeoh emphasized that the amendment to set the youth age limit at 30 is a necessary step to keep pace with international standards. The decision, initially passed in 2019, has already been postponed twice, and the upcoming implementation marks the third grace period. This highlights the government’s strategic approach to gradually integrate the new age cap.

Sarawak’s Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister, Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, had previously remarked on Sarawak’s autonomy in determining its youth age limit. He stated the state intends to maintain its current youth age range of 15 to 40 years, reinforcing Sarawak’s distinct approach to youth policies at the state level.