Melaka: The unemployment rate in Melaka for the fourth quarter (Q4) of last year decreased to 1.8 per cent, down from 2.6 per cent in 2023, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh announced. This decline highlights the effectiveness of the state government’s policies in generating job opportunities, particularly for the youth in Melaka.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Chief Minister Ab Rauf emphasized the significance of youths in Melaka, stating, “Today, Melaka is home to more than 200,000 youths. They are not just a number, they represent the future energy of the state and the country, and are among the most valuable assets that will shape Melaka’s future.” He underscored the various initiatives being implemented to enhance job marketability, entrepreneurship, education, personal development, as well as social and religious values for the youth.
The comments were made during the state-level Youth Day 2025 celebration, which was attended by Deputy Youth and Sports Minister Adam Adli Abdul Halim and the s
tate Youth, Sports and Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) Committee chairman Datuk V.P. Shanmugam. Ab Rauf highlighted the state government’s focus on empowering skilled youths by bolstering Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) to align with industry needs. This strategy aims to position Melaka as the national TVET centre, ensuring its youth remain competitive and attractive to employers.
Ab Rauf expressed his administration’s commitment to involving youth not just in programmes but from planning to policy implementation. He is confident that the strong relationship between the government and youth will foster visionary and competitive young leaders. The state government plans to continue providing infrastructure, opportunities, and guidance to ensure sustainable youth development.
Additionally, the state government has established a Youth State Assembly with 33 representatives from each state constituency to offer leadership training and involve youth in grassroots policy-making. They ha
ve also introduced the Rumah Belia Melaka (RBM) scheme, Malaysia’s first youth housing programme, providing 1,754 units to assist young people in owning their first home.