[UPDATED] Ministries to streamline youth data for better intervention: Yeoh

KUALA LUMPUR – The government is looking to consolidate data across all ministries to ensure better methods to combat social ills plaguing the youth, said Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh. 

Speaking to reporters at Parliament here, Yeoh said the Youth Development Cabinet Committee, which met for the first time today since 2018, aims to ensure that ministries are on the same page when it comes to addressing youth issues. 

“We want greater coordination (among ministries) to make sure that nobody just goes and does work on their own. We don’t want (ministries working in silos) anymore. 

“If we don’t have accurate data on social and health problems affecting youths, our intervention efforts will not be effective,” she said, noting that the home and health ministries will be presenting their relevant data on the matter during the committee’s next meeting.

Adding that the committee aims to meet at least two to three times a year, Yeoh explained that data streamlining is important to avoid overlaps by ministries attempting to alleviate the burdens borne by the youth. 

“For example, let’s say that the Health Ministry shares data on diabetes, mental health, or high rape cases (among the youth). 

“Based on the data presented, the committee will ensure that all ministries do their part in solving the issues (through various initiatives and programmes),” she said. 

Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who chaired the committee’s meeting today, said it had also discussed issues relating to the welfare of 2.64 million gig workers and youth unemployment. 

Pointing to declining scores in the Malaysian youth index on youth development programmes, Zahid said that the committee aims to increase cross-cultural youth involvement in political initiatives geared towards raising awareness on democratic matters. 

“In 2022, the index recorded a score of 58.4, compared to 60.31 in 2021. The decline has to do with lessening youth awareness and commitment to national political activities. 

“Efforts to increase the score must be done through engaging with youth groups, particularly on matters relating to the concept of government and democracy,” he said. – The Vibes, March 20, 2023