FIFTY-TWO participants took part in the Series 2 Jelajah Belia 2024 under the Rural Youth Empowerment initiative organised by the Penang Youth Development Corporation (PYDC) recently.
Also known as Convoy @ Balik Pulau, the event was held on May 26 around the southwest district, covering Bayan Lepas, Pulau Betong and Teluk Bahang on May 26.
The event was held in collaboration with the Bayan Lepas assemblyman service centre, Teluk Bahang coordinator’s office, Pulau Betong state constituency, and the Balik Pulau parliamentary service centre.
State Youth, Sports, and Health Committee chairman Daniel Gooi Zi Sen said Jelajah Belia 2024 programme is a way to engage with grassroots communities in their respective rural areas to gather input and understand the wishes of the youth for the future of Penang.
“This kind of programme will not end here. I am confident that the assemblymen and the KADUN coordinators will play a role in addressing the needs of youth programmes in their respective areas,” Gooi added.
Bayan Lepas assemblyman Datuk Azrul Mahathir Aziz, who also serves as the state Deputy Speaker, highlighted that the active involvement of youth from the southwest district in this programme underscores their proactive approach and holds promises of benefits to all.
“This demonstrates the state government’s commitment to the development of the youth in the state, irrespective of whether they live in the city or the countryside,” Azrul said.
Ahmad Zaki Shah Shah Headan, Teluk Bahang KADUN coordinating officer, mentioned in his brief speech that more programmes for youth in Teluk Bahang will be developed in the future.
“I felt very honoured and grateful when PYDC showed a willingness to collaborate and provide full support to the Teluk Bahang KADUN coordinator’s office to run the Jelajah Belia 2024: Convoy @ Balik Pulau program,” he said.
The convoy started from the PERDA Community Movement Hall, Teluk Kumbar and made stops at each of the agencies involved to listen to briefings. The programme concluded and participants dispersed at Teluk Bahang beach.
In addition to the convoy, the programme featured several briefings from government agencies in the South West district such as the Agriculture Department, Information Department, Giatmara Balik Pulau, National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK), Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP), and Teluk Bahang police station.
During the programme, the participants also raised about youth drug addiction and requested the construction of a racetrack for youths interested in motorcycle sports, aiming to reduce illegal racing activities that have proven difficult to curb.
Story by Nur Syakirah Mohd Basri
Pix courtesy of PYDC