Kota Kinabalu: Youth, Sports Development and Creative Economy Minister Datuk Nizam Abu Bakar Titingan said his Ministry remains committed to strengthening youth development, advancing sports and driving the creative economy in Sabah.
He said this in his Ministry’s winding-up speech at the State Legislative Assembly sitting, expressing appreciation for the policy address by the Head of State as a guide for the Ministry’s direction.
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“The policy address serves as a catalyst and guide for us to further strengthen youth development, empower sports and drive the creative economy for the wellbeing of the people and progress of the State,” he said.
He added that the Ministry continues to implement high-impact youth leadership programmes such as Felo SMJ, Dun Belia, the State Youth Consultative Council and SMJ Volunteers.
On sports, he said efforts would continue to enhance facilities and development programmes in line with the goal of making Sabah a sporting State while improving public health and athletes’ performance at national and international levels.
“The Ministry will continue to improve sports facilities and development programmes to enhance community health and raise the standard of athletes competing at various levels,” he said.
On the creative economy, he said the Government aims to uplift youth livelihoods through participation in industries such as music, film, food and handicrafts, which could also contribute to State revenue.
He said the Tongod Sports Complex project would resume this year after the appointment of a new contractor, adding that only a competent contractor would be selected to complete the remaining works.
He also said the Ministry supports proposals to strengthen small and medium industries, expand skills training and provide investor incentives to create more rural job opportunities and address youth migration.
“These efforts include entrepreneurship guidance programmes, skills certification initiatives and strategic collaboration to attract investment and create new jobs in rural areas,” he said.
He said the Kinabatangan Mini Complex project approved in 2025 has yet to be implemented as priority is currently given to upgrading the Sandakan Sports Complex for continued public use.
On e-sports, he said the Ministry is establishing a dedicated unit to plan and implement creative economy programmes, with e-sports identified as one of the focus areas.
He noted that various sectors, including services, tourism, manufacturing, oil and gas, logistics and agriculture, offer opportunities to boost youth income through training and employment.
Addressing concerns on youth unemployment, he said many sectors in Sabah still face labour shortages and urged local youth to take up available opportunities while leveraging training programmes provided by the Government.
He added that proposals such as building recreational centres, athlete hostels and installing floodlights at sports complexes would be studied for feasibility.
