Penang Increases Youth Development Fund Allocation To RM200,000

GEORGE TOWN, March 3 (Bernama) -- Penang has raised allocation for its Youth Development Fund (YDF) to RM200,000 this year, reflecting its continued commitment to empowering youth development in the state.

Penang Youth, Sports and Health Committee chairman Daniel Gooi Zi Sen said the amount represents an increase of RM100,000 compared with last year, in line with efforts to intensify the organisation of high-impact programmes for youths.

“This increase is not merely about numbers, but reflects the state government’s determination to strengthen youth potential, leadership and capabilities through comprehensive development programmes.

“With a larger allocation this year, Penang is committed to empowering the younger generation and ensuring they remain the main drivers of the state’s development,” he said at a press conference for the launch of 2026 fund at Komtar today, which was also attended by Penang Youth Development Corporation (PYDC) general manager Faizal Eddy Yusof.

Gooi said the fund is an initiative under the State Executive Council for Youth, Sports and Health, and this year marks the third year of its implementation since its introduction in 2024, with RM99,800 approved last year,  and RM102,000 in 2024, with a total of 99 programmes successfully implemented over the two-year period through the fund.

Gooi urged youth organisations registered under the Registrar of Youth Organisations (ROY), youth wings of associations registered under the Registrar of Societies (ROS) — excluding political parties — as well as bodies established under an Act of Parliament to apply for the fund, provided the organisations are based and operate in the state.

He explained that programmes must target youths aged 15 to 35 who are from or residing in Penang, covering areas such as skills, employability, volunteerism, leadership, organisational involvement, as well as recognition or award programmes.

“Sports-related programmes will not be considered under this fund as they have separate funding channels,” he said.

Interested organisations may submit applications starting today until April 12 for programmes to be implemented before Nov 15, 2026. All applications must be submitted via the official YDF portal at https://pydc.com.my/portaldpb/ and will be evaluated carefully and professionally by the fund’s evaluation committee.

-- BERNAMA