Youth and sports minister announces RM250 million in Sejati Madani grants for youth societies to foster entrepreneurship, with nationwide roadshows planned for applications.

MELAKA: The government has expanded its Sejati Madani grant programme this year to include youth societies, with an allocation of RM250 million specifically for developing entrepreneurial activities.

Youth and Sports Minister Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari said the Registrar of Youth Organisations will conduct nationwide roadshows to brief approximately 2,500 youth associations on the application process.

“We have expanded it to youth societies because we believe that the youth today are business-minded and they have plans to develop their societies,” he told reporters after officiating a programme in Semabok.

He explained that while the grants were previously directed towards Village Development and Security Committees, the focus is now on empowering youth-led entrepreneurial ventures.

The minister was joined at the event by Melaka Youth Development, Sports and Non-governmental Organisations Committee chairman Datuk V P Shanmugam and Duyong assemblyman Datuk Mohd Noor Helmy Abdul Halem.

In a separate development, Mohammed Taufiq also mentioned that relevant parties are finalising the number of sports to be contested at the 34th SEA Games in Kuala Lumpur next year.

He noted that while 38 sports are currently scheduled, an appeal process to include additional sports is still ongoing.

“I will officially announce the number of sports being contested at the SEA Games at a later date after all matters have been studied and resolved,” he added.

 The Sun Malaysia