PETALING JAYA: Several youth organisations are looking forward to receiving freebies during the upcoming Budget 2022. Malaysian Youth Council president Jufitri Joha hopes the government can look into protecting and creating employment opportunities for our youths in the upcoming Budget.

       “The low wages is one of the factors that youths are unemployed.

       “The salary offered is very low compared to the increased cost of living and has caused unemployment among youths.

       “Furthermore, many youths are more interested in finding job opportunities abroad compared to Malaysia as they get paid better even for doing a job like picking up trash.

       “The government needs to review the minimum wage and set it to RM1,500 when the economy recovers.

       “Public and private sector cooperation are needed to ensure employees are paid well so that they can cover the cost of living.

       “As for higher education institutions, the authorities need to conduct a comprehensive study to find out if the programmes offered are useful in the future and according to industry needs.

       “The institutions should also incorporate more hands-on skills and not just focus on theory alone in the courses they offer,” he said.

       Jufitri added that youths should be assisted and encouraged in starting up businesses.

       “Many youths do not know how to start a business and some of them do not have sufficient capital to start a small business.

       “We hope that the government can provide financial assistance at a lower interest rate for youths,” he said.

       Penang Scouts Council chairman Lee Toong Leon said youths should be given the focus as they were the future of our country.

       “The government should focus on technology and multimedia development so that youths can be competitive in the future.

       “The government also needs to pay more attention to development so that youths do not fall into immoral activities.

       “Multilateral relationships with youth organisations should be formed to enable the government to better understand and know youths and the problems faced by them.

       “Science, technology, engineering and mathematics should be introduced to youth organisations so that the activities and training here are in line with the current needs and developments.

       “The existing assets and facilities of youth organisations need to be upgraded so that more training and activities can be conducted,” he added.

       Centre for Research, Advisory and Technology (Create) founder and chief executive officer Ng Yeen Seen expected the upcoming Budget to focus on recovery and rebuilding the country.

       “Recognising the learning gap in schools over the last 18 months, I’d expect the government to introduce measures to assist students who have been left behind to catch up.

       “Not only do these students need support, teachers also need extra support to help students learn.

       “Infrastructure in schools must also be upgraded with working Internet connections,” she said.