Malaysia’s Youth and Sports Ministry partners with Religious Affairs to develop youth via mosques and other places of worship under the Rakan Muda programme.
PUTRAJAYA: The government will leverage religious institutions, starting with mosques, as key centres for national youth development.
The Youth and Sports Ministry (KBS) and the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) formalised a collaboration to strengthen this effort through the Rakan Muda programme.
Youth and Sports Minister Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari (pic) said competitive youth are essential for the nation’s future leadership.
He stated that development must begin early, with mosques serving as more than just places of worship.
“Mosques are not only places of worship, but also spaces to nurture character and identity among youths,” he said at a joint media conference.
He added they can be hubs for generating ideas and hosting sports, producing physically and spiritually healthy youth.
The initiative will later be expanded to other places of worship like temples and shrines.
“Our target is youths across Malaysia, and secondly, across religions,” Dr Mohammed Taufiq said.
Specific implementation details and programme types will be announced on 16 February.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Dr Zulkifli Hasan said the partnership marks a shift in approach.
“We are shifting towards a more proactive, progressive and dynamic approach,” he stated.
He emphasised that the collaboration is about nation-building and strengthening unity across all communities.
“It is not just about Muslims, but about enhancing interaction among all religions and communities,” Zulkifli said.
