By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Jan 7: The Malaysian Youth Council (MBM) plans to expand its collaboration with the Sarawak United National Youth Organisation (Saberkas) by extending its Reach Out programme to five new areas this year, building on its success in Daro and Kedup last year.
MBM president Izzat Afifi Abd Hamid said MBM does not has any branches in Sarawak but Saberkas has been serving as its youth body in the State, addressing youth-related issues and fostering national integration.
“Last year, we carried out Reach Out programme with Saberkas where we visited Daro and Kedup areas to engage with the youths there.
“This year, we hope to expand the programme with a bigger plan to cover at least five areas in Sarawak, allowing us to reach more youth in the State and promote national integration between youth in Peninsular Malaysia and those in Sabah and Sarawak,” he said during a press conference after paying a courtesy call to Sarawak Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development (MYSED) and Saberkas president Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah at his office in Baitul Makmur II building here today.
He further said MBM and Saberkas are still in the process of discussing and awaiting confirmation from Saberkas on the chosen locations and dates.
Since the previous programmes have been carried out in Melanau (Daro) and Bidayuh (Kedup) areas last year, Izzat hopes that the five new locations will represent different ethnic groups, allowing youth from Peninsular Malaysia to gain a deeper understanding of Sarawak’s rich cultural diversity.
The Reach Out programme focuses on intimate, community-based engagements with 100 to 200 participants per session.
Activities include dialogues, cultural exchanges, and community sports, tailored to reflect the unique identity of each location.
When asked if Saberkas would consider hosting similar programs in the Peninsula, Abdul Karim noted Saberkas’ focus on Sarawak but expressed openness to collaborations.
“We have our own agenda, but we’ve conducted programs in Johor before and even engaged with youth bodies in the region and Southeast Asia.
“These efforts may expand in the future,” he said.
Amongst those present were MBM deputy president Mohd Fairos Rusli, secretary-general Hasnul Haniff Harun, treasurer Mohd Izham Ahmad and Malaysian Indian Youth Council (MIYC) president Dhanesh Basil. – DayakDaily
