KOTA KINABALU: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor gave thumbs up to the State Ministry of Youth and Sports for its youth and sports development  programmes. 

"The Youth and Sports Ministry is a vital ministry because of its focus on youth and  sports development in the state. 

"Youths are our future. Therefore, youth development is crucial," he said during his  working visit to the Youth and Sports Ministry at Wisma Muis near here today. 

He cited the successful Youth Entrepreneur Development Programme (SYABAS), which  has successfully elevated some participants to millionaire status.  

Permanent Secretary Datuk Mansor Asun disclosed that to date, the Ministry has  allocated RM7 million for the programme benefitting 5,500 recipients in various business enterprises throughout the state. 

"This is an excellent programme. I want emphasis on this programme so that more  deserving youths will benefit from it," said Hajiji. 

The Chief Minister congratulated the Sabah Sukma contingent for securing 29 golds in  the 2024 Malaysia Games (SUKMA) held in Sarawak last month. 

"Although we fell short of the 40-gold target, we gave our best. Train harder to do better  in the future," he said. 

He also commended Eddy Bernard, Sabah’s paralympian to the Paris Paralympics for  winning the 100m bronze medal. 

“Going forward, I want the Ministry to further improve the standard of sports in Sabah,  including refurbishing sports complexes and their facilities to benefit athletes,” he  stressed. 

Present were Finance Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Masidi Manjun, Youth and Sports  Minister Datuk Ellron Alfred Angin, Rural Development Minister Datuk Jahid Jahim, State  Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Datuk Ariffin Arif, assistant ministers  and senior Youth and Sports Ministry officials. 

Ends