KUALA LUMPUR, July 24 — Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh clarified today that youth leaders who turn 30 after the Youth Societies and Youth Development (Amendment) Act 2019 comes into force on January 1, 2026, may remain in office until their organisation’s next election.
However, under Section 6 of the amended law, they cannot be renominated or re-elected once they exceed the age limit. Ordinary members over 30 will also lose voting and candidacy rights, though they may still contribute as mentors, advisors, or alumni.
To support this transition, the Ministry has worked with the Registrar of Societies (ROS) and initiated programs like the Youth Transition Dialogues, organisational workshops, and youth work certifications. According to Yeoh, 53.99 per cent of the 99,271 youth office bearers are already under 30, aligning with the law’s direction.
The enforcement of the Act is expected to impact over 8,200 registered youth organisations. In response to Dr Kelvin Yii’s inquiry in Parliament, Yeoh reaffirmed the ministry’s proactive efforts, including setting up a Transition Working Committee and rolling out engagement programmes like Kembara Jumpa Orang Muda (Kembara JOM), to ensure a smooth implementation and encourage constitutional amendments where needed.
