Kuala lumpur: The Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBS) and the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) have announced their commitment to enhancing the function of mosques to strengthen youth development through the Rakan Muda programme.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Minister of Youth and Sports Dr. Mohammed Taufiq Johari emphasized the importance of engaging youth in national development by making them competitive and capable future leaders. He stated that these efforts should begin at an early stage. Dr. Taufiq highlighted that mosques can serve not only as places of worship but also as platforms for activities that build youth character and identity. He pointed out that mosques could become gathering places for young people to generate new ideas and engage in sports and community activities, promoting both physical and spiritual health.

The announcement follows a discussion between Dr. Taufiq and the Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Dr. Zulkifli Hasan, which lasted over an hour. The discussion focused on the role of mosques in developing youth potential through the Rakan Muda programme. Dr. Taufiq mentioned that KBS is open to extending similar initiatives to other places of worship, such as temples, to foster a healthy and morally upright young generation across Malaysia. He added that the programme targets both Muslim and non-Muslim youth, with further details to be announced on February 16.

Meanwhile, Dr. Zulkifli noted that a more collaborative approach is essential for the initiative's success. He emphasized the need for a proactive and dynamic strategy, stressing that collaboration with KBS is crucial to strengthening their efforts. Dr. Zulkifli underscored the initiative's goal to build national unity and interaction among various religious and racial communities, going beyond spiritual aspects.