HOUSING was among the hot topics debated during the inaugural Federal Territories Youth Assembly (SBWP) held in Kuala Lumpur. The three-day assembly saw 65 young individuals coming together to discuss policy proposals affecting Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya and Labuan. Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Dr Zaliha Mustafa said issues and suggestions brought up by the young “MPs” during the session were relevant and reflective of current concerns of youth in the Federal Territories.
A broad range of issues were raised touching on the economy, technology and smart, green and sustainable cities, she said after the winding-up session. “A hot topic was about housing for youths, which was widely debated among the members,” she added. The session concluded with 15 proposals mooted by the participants.
Of these, 12 proposals were eventually accepted, and will be escalated to the Federal Territories Department (JWP) in the form of a memorandum, for a thorough review. “JWP will review all their suggestions so that we can possibly incorporate them into policies,” she said. When asked if the proposals would be brought up to Parliament, Dr Zaliha said they would need to see whether each of the issues brought up was viable.
“Looking at the points debated, it is good for us to look at them in-depth.” Dr Zaliha, who is also SBWP patron, said based on the participants’ suggestions, they hoped to organise the next youth assembly before the tabling of Budget 2025 this year. “That way we can incorporate the members’ suggestions into JWP’s planning.
” The SBWP is aimed at giving youths an avenue for their voices to be heard. In collaboration with JWP, Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL), Putrajaya Corporation (PPj) and Labuan Corporation, the programme brought together individuals aged 18 to 35 to explore a broad spectrum of issues. The first SBWP session was chaired by Wangsa Maju MP Zahir Hassan, who served as speaker.
The second session was chaired by Sungai Petani MP Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari, who said the assembly provided good exposure and exercise for youth “to shape them into great leaders”. Assembly participant representing Putrajaya 5, Muhammad Ikhwan Zainal, 32, touched on some of the points that were explored. “One of the issues discussed is housing for those who can’t afford to rent or own a house in Putrajaya and Kuala Lumpur.
“Another point that we want to shed light on is Labuan. Currently, it is a marginalised island. “We need to open up more industries in Labuan so we can make it into a new and beautiful tourism centre rather than just an offshore centre for ships,” he said.
“For the social section of our conference, we touched upon changes for those who are still living with their parents, especially those who are already married. “Their situation poses several problems and conflicts in the family,” he added. Another participant, Wan Khairun Sofea Wan Khairul Anuar, 20, representing Segambut 3, said she stood in solidarity with the youth’s right to be heard and acknowledged.
“I believe all youth have a voice but not everyone can use it. “As someone who has the power to speak, it’s my responsibility to use my voice not only for myself but for others out there,” she said. “This event brings the community closer together because there is a balanced representation of all groups of youth, not only in terms of race, but also age groups.
“Even though we are all classified as youth, different people experience different issues. “Someone in their 20s faces very different challenges than someone in their 30s. “Through this event, we all get to understand each other’s point of view,” Wan Khairun added.
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