Senators call for early public health education and improved youth training programmes in Budget 2026 debate to reduce future costs and boost skills
KUALA LUMPUR: Senators have urged the government to prioritise public health education from an early age to promote healthy lifestyles and reduce future healthcare burdens.
Senator Baharuddin Ahmad said early emphasis is crucial as chronic diseases like diabetes and hypertension lead to lifelong medication dependency.
“This means the government has to bear the cost of treatment,” he said during the Senate debate on the Supply Bill (Budget) 2026.
He highlighted that treating conditions like cancer involves substantial and rising costs for the government.
Baharuddin stated that health education must cover nutrition and healthcare practices starting from youth.
Meanwhile, Senator Mohd Hasbie Muda proposed improvements to youth and graduate programmes in Budget 2026 for broader impact.
He suggested wider promotion of the K-Youth Programme and TVET industrial training through social media and educational portals.
The training should be structured with on-the-job opportunities in hi-tech sectors like semiconductors and AI, he added.
Mohd Hasbie also called for expanded financial aid, including training allowances and transport assistance for low-income youth.
He emphasised streamlining collaborations between industry, education, and government to align curricula with market needs.
This ensures graduates gain practical skills in automation, green technology, and the digital sector, he said.
The Senate session is set to resume on Monday. – Bernama
