Kuala lumpur: The 30-year-old age limit for youth in the country, set to be enforced on January 1 next year, is moving forward after being delayed twice, announced Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh. She confirmed that the Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBS) has addressed the matter through various engagement sessions and has provided funding support to facilitate the transition to this new age limit.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Ministry plans to propose a working paper to the Cabinet. This proposal aims to ensure that all ministries continue their existing assistance and support, tailored to respective age groups, for a certain period. This statement was made during a press conference following the National Youth Consultative Council (MPBN) meeting at the International Youth Centre.

Several delegates had previously voiced concerns regarding the readiness of youth associations, particularly in rural areas, for the implementation of the new age limit. Some delegates also suggested that the age limit should be set at 35 years. Hannah stated in November 2023 that the enforcement of the Youth Societies and Youth Development (Amendment) Act 2019 will commence in 2026. This amendment involves setting the age limit for membership in youth organisations between 15-30 years, establishing the age limit for leaders or office holders of youth organisations at 18-30 years, and limiting the term of office for leaders to four years.

The KBS reports that there are 8,272 youth organisations legally registered under the Registrar of Societies (ROS), with 53,535 office holders, 54 percent of whom are under the age of 30. Of these organisations, only 865, representing 10 percent, have made constitutional amendments in anticipation of the 30-year age limit, including the Gabungan Pelajar Melayu Semenanjung (GPMS) and the Majlis Belia India Malaysia (MIYC).