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Malaysia’s Budget 2027 has introduced an initiative that deserves attention beyond its RM100 value. Under the Budi Belia programme, young Malaysians who complete the required volunteer hours with selected non-governmental organisations (NGOs) will receive a RM100 e-wallet incentive.
Finance Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the initiative reflects the Madani value of ‘Ihsan’, or compassion, which he believes is already deeply rooted in Malaysian society. While RM100 may not seem like a significant amount in today’s economy, I believe the real value of this initiative lies in the message it sends to young people that helping others matters, and contributing to society deserves recognition.
Encouraging a Generation to Care
In an age where young people face academic pressure, rising living costs and growing competition for employment, encouraging them to volunteer is not always easy. Many have limited time and financial resources, making paid work or personal commitments a priority.
The Budi Belia programme could help change this situation by giving young people an additional reason to participate in community activities. Whether they assist at charity events, support vulnerable families or contribute their time to approved NGOs, these experiences can teach lessons that cannot be fully learned in a classroom.
However, I believe the government must ensure that volunteering does not become merely a way to earn RM100. The incentive should serve as an entry point to community service, rather than the main reason for doing it. The ultimate goal should be to nurture young Malaysians who continue helping others even after the incentive has been spent.
Compassion Should Not Depend on Going Viral
Anwar cited several Malaysians whose acts of kindness attracted public attention, including mechanic Usop, known as Abang Minyak Hitam Jalanan, Dicky Yau, nurse Deena Nadzhiefa and Kak Zira, a school canteen worker who reportedly provided free meals to a pupil from a poor family.
Their stories remind us that compassion is not exclusive to wealthy individuals, influential personalities or established charitable organisations. Sometimes, it comes from an ordinary person who notices someone in need and decides to help. In my opinion, this is the most important lesson behind the Budi Belia initiative. We should not have to wait for a touching video to go viral before recognising the value of kindness.
There are countless Malaysians quietly helping their neighbours, supporting struggling families and caring for the elderly without expecting praise or publicity. Their contributions may never appear in the news, but they are equally meaningful. If Budget 2027 can inspire more young people to follow these examples, the benefits could extend far beyond the RM100 incentive.
The Real Reward Is a More Caring Malaysia
Ultimately, I see the Budi Belia programme as opportunities to strengthen Malaysia's culture of compassion. Financial incentives can encourage participation, while community organisations can provide the environment for meaningful action. However, no amount of funding can replace the personal willingness to care for others. That attitude must be nurtured at home, in schools, through community organisations and by the example set by society's leaders. RM100 may not transform a young person's financial situation, but it could be the starting point for a much more valuable transformation: learning to see community service as a responsibility rather than an obligation.
My view is simple. The government can provide the incentive, but society must cultivate the spirit behind it. If young Malaysians learn that even small acts of kindness can make a difference, the long-term return could be far greater than the amount allocated in the budget. A compassionate nation is not built through policies alone. It is built when ordinary people choose, day after day, to make life a little better for someone else.
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Badrulamin Luthfi (mobamil96@gmail.com) is a content creator under the Newswav Creator programme, where you get to express yourself, be a citizen journalist, and at the same time monetize your content & reach millions of users on Newswav. Log in to creator.newswav.com and become a Newswav Creator now!
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