SIBU: Young people must learn to be more independent and develop practical life skills instead of becoming overly dependent on their parents, smartphones and technology.
State Director of Youth and Sports Department Lamat Nyalau said this when speaking at the closing of the State-Level Rakan Muda Camp 2026 at Kem Belia Kemuyang here on Monday (Aug 31).
Lamat stressed that youth development programmes should equip young people with practical experiences and skills that would prepare them to face challenges in everyday life.
He noted that modern lifestyles had resulted in some young people becoming increasingly dependent on their parents even for basic daily tasks, such as preparing simple meals and managing their everyday needs.
“Programmes such as this provide added value to the participants. I believe that after completing this camp, the participants will return home with experiences and skills that will help them become more independent,” he said.
Lamat cited activities such as basic cooking, food preparation, outdoor skills and teamwork were important in helping young people build confidence, self-reliance and the ability to cope independently.
He also reminded participants not to become overly dependent on smartphones and technology.
While technology played an important role in modern life, he asserted that young people must also develop practical skills, communicate with others and gain real-life experiences that could strengthen their confidence and interpersonal abilities.
“Youth development is not merely about acquiring skills, but also about nurturing discipline, teamwork, confidence and a strong sense of social responsibility,” he said.
He further highlighted the difference between the Federal and Sarawak definitions of youth, noting that the Federal definition covers those up to 30 years of age, while Sarawak’s youth age range extends to 40.
With Sarawak having a significant youth population, he said youth development must remain an important priority as today’s young people would eventually become the future leaders and contributors to the development of Sarawak and Malaysia.
“Leaders come and go. The young people standing before us today will one day play an important role in developing Sarawak and the nation,” he said.
The camp, held from Aug 28 to 31 was organised by the Sibu Divisional Youth and Sport Department, with Kelab Rakan Muda Lanang (KERAMUL) serving as the strategic partner.
It brought together young participants from diverse backgrounds and provided opportunities for interaction, teamwork, personal development and the strengthening of unity among youths.
Lamat congratulated the organisers and participants while expressing his appreciation to the organising committee, facilitators, officers and all parties involved in making the programme a success.
He said the enthusiasm, commitment and positive spirit demonstrated by participants throughout the camp reflected the value of providing young people with meaningful platforms for growth and development.
Among those present were Sibu Division Youth and Sports Department Officer, Nur Fatheen Khairuzan Seleman and KERAMUL Secretary, Chew Jia Bao.
