Sarawak approves RM25 mln in soft loans to boost youth-led businesses

Abdul Karim speaking during his ministerial winding-up speech at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) sitting on Oct 20, 2026. Photo: Ukas

By Dayangku Hidayatul

KUCHING, Oct 20: The Sarawak government has approved RM25 million in soft loans to help youth-led businesses expand, strengthen operational capacity and improve market competitiveness.

Minister of Sports, Youth and Entrepreneur Development Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the initiative complements the RM1.6 million allocation under the SYStartup Grant this year, which supports young entrepreneurs in establishing, developing and expanding their businesses.

“In addition, RM25 million has been approved under the soft loan initiative to facilitate business expansion, enhance operational capacity and strengthen market competitiveness among youth-led enterprises,” he said during his ministerial winding-up speech at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) sitting today.

He said the funding initiatives reflect the State government’s continued commitment to nurturing youth entrepreneurship through business growth, innovation and sustainability.

Abdul Karim also highlighted the achievements of the Sarawak United National Youth Organisation (SABERKAS), which engaged more than 10,000 youths and community members through its Sports Carnival (KASUS), involving 42 branches as of September 2026.

Other initiatives included the SABERKAS Prihatin programme involving 39 branches, leadership and human capital development programmes, as well as activities by its Women’s Bureau. The organisation also held its 18th Triennial General Assembly in Sibu from Aug 8 to 10, attended by 476 delegates representing 82 branches.

On drug prevention, he said the Malaysian Drug Prevention Association (PEMADAM) Sarawak conducted 98 programmes involving nearly 50,000 participants from January to October this year, covering awareness, early intervention and community engagement.

Among the initiatives were school-based drug prevention programmes, the “Say No to Vaping & Drugs” campaign at SMK St Joseph Kuching, and the “Must Fight Drugs Run 2026” in Lundu, which attracted more than 1,000 participants.

Meanwhile, the Department of Youth and Sports Sarawak, through the Ministry of Youth and Sports Malaysia (KBS), engaged more than 205,000 young people statewide as of September through youth development initiatives, volunteerism and sporting activities.

He added sports development efforts included 78 planned programmes targeting 70,000 participants, while the state-level National Sports Day celebration in Betong featured 33 activities and drew 21,000 participants. The Community Sports League also attracted about 6,000 participants in netball, volleyball and futsal.

To further support grassroots development, he said, RM189,000 in programme management assistance was channelled to 26 youth clubs involving nearly 2,000 participants, while RM1.3 million was allocated to 173 sports bodies under the Community Sports Fund, benefiting 18,000 sports enthusiasts. — DayakDaily