KOTA KINABALU: A total of RM16.9mil has been put aside for youth leadership development programmes under the Sabah government, says Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
He said the programme encompassed volunteerism and social unity activities.
"The government will continue to provide resources to implement various programmes for our youths, including leadership, skills and entrepreneurship training.
"Youth development schemes like the Sabah Youth Entrepreneurs Successful Scheme or Syabas will continue to support our young entrepreneurs in kick-starting and strengthening their entrepreneurial initiatives," he said at the opening of Sabah Moto Day 7.0 at the Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) here on Sunday (Sept 15).
Hajiji was pleased with the turnout of over 50,000 youths, some from Brunei and Peninsular Malaysia, and proposed to add Sabah Moto Day to the state's tourism calendar.
The event at UMS is the biggest annual two-wheel motorsport programme, which has been eagerly awaited by enthusiasts in Sabah and neighbouring states, he added.
"I believe this programme will encourage youths to be involved in beneficial activities to divert them from illegal racing, strengthen ties, and create awareness of the dangers of drug abuse besides promoting motorcycle safety to the public," he said.
The Chief Minister commended the organisers for organising useful programmes for the two-day event, held in conjunction with the Malaysia Day celebration on Monday (Sept 16).
"In line with the government's commitment to nurturing youths as the next state and national leadership echelon, I hope programmes such as this will continue to be organised," he added.
