Definition of Youth
As defined in the 1997 National Youth Development Policy, youth range between the ages of 15 – 40. However, the policy also specifies that youth development programs and activities shall be focused on youth aged 18 – 25.
Marriageable Age
- Opposite Sex
- Same Sex
- Without parental consent
- with parental consent
- Male
- 18
- 18
- XX
Candidacy Age
- Lower House
- 21 Source: Inter-Parliamentary Union
- Upper House
- 30
Source: Inter-Parliamentary Union
Partially indirectly elected and appointed.
Situation of Young People
Literacy Rates
- 98.34% Male (15-24) %
- 98.50% Female (15-24) %
- Year: 2015
- Source: UNESCO
Net Enrolment Rate
Secondary School- 67.09%Male %
- 65.60% Female %
- Year: 2011
- Source: UNESCO
Situation of Young People
Tobacco Use
Consumed any smokeless or smoking tobacco product at least once 30 days prior to the survey.- 35.10% Male (13-15) %
- 9.40% Female (13-15) %
- Year: 2010
- Source: WHO
Policy & Legislation
The national youth policy's objective is “to establish a holistic and harmonious Malaysian youth force imbued with strong spiritual and moral values”. Its strategies include developing a knowledge base on youth as well as a focus on skill development. The Youth Societies and Youth Development Act 2007 (Act 668) defines the National Youth Consultative Council, chaired by the Minister of Youth and Sport and made up of state representatives, ministries and major national youth societies. It is a forum for both government and NGOs to meet and discuss issues relating to youth development. The Act also lists provisions applicable to registered youth societies as well as the framework for the Malaysian Institute for Research in Youth Development, including its functions, powers, and funding.
Public Institutions
(ministry, department or office) that is primarily responsible for youth?
Youth and Representation
Budget & Spending
- % of GDP
- % of gov. expenditure
Source: World Bank
Additional Background
Malaysia’s development plan, known as Vision 2020, aims to develop all aspects of the country including national unity, social cohesion, economy, social justice, political stability, system of government, quality of life, social and spiritual values and national pride and confidence [...]
The development process of the National Youth Development Policy was comprehensive involving all of the major national youth development organisations that in turn engaged youth groups throughout the country in discussions.