SHAH ALAM, Nov 16 — The state government is prioritising youth development and strengthening the arts and culture under the Fourth Pillar of the 2026 Selangor Budget.
Menteri Besar Dato' Seri Amirudin Shari said empowering the younger generation is a long-term investment for the state to ensure the state's continued prosperity and wellbeing.
The state government also emphasises the importance of arts and culture as a platform to strengthen identity, foster unity, and create economic and tourism opportunities.
The following is a summary of the budget's Fourth Pillar:
1. Selangor Youth Enlightenment Programme (RM2.5 million)
This programme is introduced to nurture a generation of youth who are critical, courageous, and capable of enriching intellectual discourse aligned with sustainable state development. It focuses on:
Reading classical and contemporary works.
Intellectual discussions and critical writing.
Topics like renewable energy and digitalisation.
Children and parents look at books on sale during the Selangor Children’s Book Fair at PKNS Complex, Shah Alam, on July 28, 2024. — Picture by NUR ADIBAH AHMAD IZAM/MEDIA SELANGOR
2. Youth leadership development
An annual allocation of RM10,000 is maintained for each Selangor Youth Mobiliser (PeBS) to strengthen grassroots youth leadership.
The Selangor Young Leaders Development Institute (KITASelangor) will be established in 2026 with a RM1 million grant, overseen by the Selangor State Sports Council under the State Youth Development Committee.
The institute will complete a leadership ecosystem that balances activism with strong leadership values.
3. Sports and young talent development
RM1 million is allocated to upgrade the Kuala Selangor Racing Circuit to promote safe, competitive motorsports and produce new talents such as young rider Hakim Danish Ramli.
Selangor will also host the 22nd Malaysian Games (Sukma) and Para Sukma in 2026, supported by a special RM100 million budget covering:
Upgrading sports facilities.
Preparing athletes and coaches.
Community and volunteer involvement.
A major project includes upgrading the Selangor Aquatic Centre in Shah Alam, expected to be completed by June 2026.
These efforts also serve as preparation for hosting the Islamic Solidarity Games (ISG) 2029 and strengthening the sports economy and tourism in Selangor.
4. Empowerment of state arts and culture
The state government is focusing on preserving and developing arts and culture through inclusive, high-impact initiatives, including:
Special programmes for the Silver Jubilee of the reign of the Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah Alhaj, including a Royal Concert, a Royal Classic Car Gathering, and an Exhibition on His Royal Highness' Reign at the Sultan Alam Shah Museum.
Involvement of primary and secondary school students in stage performing arts.
The organisation of multicultural and Orang Asli cultural programmes, as well as district-level cultural events, to strengthen cultural heritage and international relations.
5. ‘Gallery Hopping Selangor’ Initiative (RM500,000)
To be implemented throughout 2026 with quarterly exhibition themes.
Covering modern and contemporary art galleries, as well as Asean and Nusantara historical collections.
This initiative aims to revitalise the local arts scene and attract young people to the world of visual arts and international collaborations.
