SANDAKAN: The government will help youth associations’ transition to comply with new leadership age requirements that limit youth organisation leaders to under 30 years old, effective January 1, 2026, said Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh.
The decision to lower the youth leadership age limit aligns with legislative amendments passed in Parliament following extensive discussions with various parties, including the Malaysian Youth Council, she said after officiating a tennis court upgrade project, here, Saturday.
Two groups within registered youth organisations under the Registry of Youth Organisations (RoY) will be affected by the change.
Members aged 30 and above will no longer be eligible for membership, while current office holders may only serve until the completion of their respective Annual General Meetings.
Despite some organisations lacking transition plans or successors, they will be permitted to complete their leadership terms through 2027, she said.
She said individuals over 30 will not be completely excluded from youth activities.
They may establish alumni associations under the Registry of Societies (RoS) to continue contributing as mentors and strategic partners in youth programs.
New registrations under RoY will continue, allowing young people under 30 to form new youth associations after February 2026, she said.
Hannah assured that government assistance and youth programme implementation will remain unaffected by the amendments.
State governments like Sabah may continue supporting youths up to age 35.
The Ministry of Youth and Sports is currently facilitating cooperation with RoS to streamline the transition plan while intensifying training and association management courses for youths under 30.
“January 1, 2026 is not an end date. Education, awareness and training will continue so young people are given opportunities to learn and lead. Without opening this space, they will never have the chance,” she said.
The decision to lower the youth leadership age limit aligns with legislative amendments passed in Parliament following extensive discussions with various parties, including the Malaysian Youth Council, she said after officiating a tennis court upgrade project, here, Saturday.
Two groups within registered youth organisations under the Registry of Youth Organisations (RoY) will be affected by the change.
Members aged 30 and above will no longer be eligible for membership, while current office holders may only serve until the completion of their respective Annual General Meetings.
Despite some organisations lacking transition plans or successors, they will be permitted to complete their leadership terms through 2027, she said.
She said individuals over 30 will not be completely excluded from youth activities.
They may establish alumni associations under the Registry of Societies (RoS) to continue contributing as mentors and strategic partners in youth programs.
New registrations under RoY will continue, allowing young people under 30 to form new youth associations after February 2026, she said.
Hannah assured that government assistance and youth programme implementation will remain unaffected by the amendments.
State governments like Sabah may continue supporting youths up to age 35.
The Ministry of Youth and Sports is currently facilitating cooperation with RoS to streamline the transition plan while intensifying training and association management courses for youths under 30.
“January 1, 2026 is not an end date. Education, awareness and training will continue so young people are given opportunities to learn and lead. Without opening this space, they will never have the chance,” she said.
