KIBAR 2026 Not One-off, Youth Voices Elevated To Top Levels - Minister

SEPANG, April 23 (Bernama) -- The 2026 Kembara Inspirasi Belia Akar Umbi (KIBAR) programme is not a one-off event, but emphasises continuity through ongoing follow-ups involving multiple stakeholders, said Youth and Sports Minister Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari.

He said the programme will feature data collection on young people and evaluations of its impact, followed by continued support from the National Youth and Sports Department (JBSN) and related agencies.

"We want to make sure this initiative has real staying power. After the programme ends, we will team up with the Youth Council and other organisations to regularly reunite all participants for youth-related activities.

"That's the key point. And this is definitely not a one-off event," he told reporters after attending the KIBAR 2026 launch here today.

Taufiq said young people's voices will keep getting space and attention, even after KIBAR 2026 ends.

"Every voice or issue raised by young people will be taken to the highest levels, Insya-Allah. All their views will be brought to Cabinet and the National Economic Action Council (MTEN)," he said.

KIBAR 2026, a new Youth and Sports Ministry (KBS) initiative, takes a fresh, inclusive, high-impact approach to empower grassroots youth, especially non-affiliated ones, via 17 series across 17 nationwide locations, including Sabah and Sarawak.

Commenting on the ministry’s plans to tackle the global supply crisis, especially for youth, he said KBS will prioritise raising young people's awareness while amplifying their collective efforts to find solutions.

"KBS always ensures young people understand the global supply crisis. We also teach youth not to spend as if there's no tomorrow," he said.

He stressed that the global supply crisis should not be politicised, as it was unforeseen and directly hits the economy, calling on all parties to unite beyond political divides to counter external shocks, stabilise the nation, and cut living costs.

"We must also work together to ensure young people have job opportunities and can cope with living costs, while advising them not to fall for fake news even as some try to inflame sentiments and worsen the crisis," he said.

-- BERNAMA