Sarawak has no intention of aligning with the federal government’s move to lower the youth age limit to 30, according to Minister for Youth, Sports, and Entrepreneur Development, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah. Speaking after the BELIA GoBiz@Limbang 2025 Programme on July 12, he said Sarawak has the authority to define its own youth age criteria and will retain the current limit of 40.
“We’re not bound by federal definitions, though we take note of them,” he said, as reported by TVS. “Reducing the age limit too drastically has many implications, especially for ministries with programmes supporting youth.
If the age is suddenly cut to 30, how do we continue assisting those currently recognised as youth?”
He also highlighted the role of the Sarawak United National Youth Organisation (SABERKAS) in youth development, noting its unique structure — 30% of its leadership comprises individuals over 40, while 70% are under that age. This mix, he said, helps bridge experience with youthful energy to ensure continued mentorship and guidance.
At the federal level, Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh recently announced that the national youth age limit will be officially capped at 30 beginning January 1, 2026 — a policy shift that Sarawak will not be adopting.
