BINTANGOR – Young people have been described as crucial national assets who will inherit leadership roles and shape the nation’s sustainable future.
This message was emphasised at the closing ceremony of the Sarikei Division Level Youth Identity Strengthening Camp.
The event was presided over by Datuk Len Talif Salleh, the Deputy Minister of Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment.
In his address, he urged attendees to cultivate strong personal integrity, trustworthiness, and transparency in all their endeavours.
He encouraged youth to take full advantage of development initiatives organised by both governmental and non-governmental bodies.
“Make all the experiences, training and knowledge gained a supply in daily life,” he advised, urging them to adopt responsible attitudes and high moral values.
The Kuala Rajang State Assemblyman specifically highlighted substance abuse as a primary threat to the younger generation.
He revealed that official statistics indicate a majority of new drug addicts are youths, making prevention efforts critically important.
“Therefore, through programmes like this we invite young people to completely stay away from the symptoms of drug abuse, vaping, cigarettes and any substance that can damage the mind, body and soul,” he stressed.
The deputy minister further called on participants to become positive role models for their peers, avoiding negative influences that could jeopardise their futures and cause distress to their families and communities.
The ceremony was also attended by Dr Zainal Abiddin Masleh, Director of the Rajang Campus Teacher Education Institute (IPG), and Mohamad Tajuddin Yusop, representing the Sarikei District Officer.