IPOH: The number of youths involved in corruption is becoming a concern, says Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu.

       The Youth and Sports Minister said more awareness programmes must be held to address the issue.

       “But the responsibility does not solely lie with the ministry alone, other parties must play an important role as well.

       “For instance schools, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission and other agencies must keep on raising awareness on corruption, and its consequences,” he told reporters after launching the Kinta-level Malaysia Sports League here on Sunday (June 5).

       MACC deputy chief commissioner Datuk Seri Norazlan Mohd Razali on Saturday (June 4) said 275 youths were nabbed for corruption between 2020 and recently.

       He said of the total, 21 were between the ages of 18 and 23 years old while the rest were between 24 and 30 years old.

       Ahmad Faizal said the ministry had recently launched a programme for the youth that consists of talks on voting rights, how to be a responsible citizen and the consequences of corruption.

       On the proposed Perak Youth Centre project, Ahmad Faizal said the ministry was considering swapping lands belonging to the state and federal governments so that the project could take off soon.

       Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad was reported as saying that the state had yet to receive any offer letter from the ministry on the proposal.

       On sports league, Ahmad Faizal encouraged more people to participate in the programme.

       “Currently we are promoting five sports - badminton, sepak takraw, volleyball, basketball and futsal.

       “If the expenses are too high to rent courts, such events could be held at a smaller scale at community fields.

       “It is not necessary for us to carry out all programmes, we can play whatever is convenient first,” he said.