KUCHING: Sarawak will continue to define youth (belia) as those aged 40 and below, despite the federal government lowering the official youth age limit to 30.
The federal change, under the Youth Societies and Youth Development (Amendment) Act 2019, took effect on January 1, 2026, with leadership roles in youth associations also capped at 30.
Recent parliamentary discussions have highlighted the impact, including a drop in youth association memberships nationwide.
Sarawak’s decision aims to maintain youth participation and ensure continued access to government support and programmes.
Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, said the federal policy has already reduced youth numbers.
“The number of belia, aged 30 to 40, is no longer considered youth under federal law. When the age limit is lowered quickly, the total number decreases further,” he said during a press conference for the What About Kuching (WAK) Festival Call for Proposal event here today.
He added that other states have lowered the youth age from 40 to 35, with some considering the federal 30-year limit.
“If that happens nationwide, the total number of belia will drop even more. In Sarawak, we do it our way. Our youth, we still consider 40 and below,” he said.
He also noted that maintaining the higher age limit ensures contributions and support from ministries for youth programmes are not affected.
