BUKIT JALIL, May 24 — Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil today announced that the application for the Madani Generation Catalyst Fund will open from June 1 to June 30, 2026, with RM5 million allocated to support local creative content production.

He explained that the fund is open to eligible local companies and youth organisations.

“The fund is open to eligible local companies and youth organisations for the production of five key categories which are telefilms, documentaries, short films, short documentaries and animation, with a total allocation of RM5 million,” he said in his speech during the closing ceremony of the Youth Festival at National Youth Day 2026 for the Federal Territories here today.

He said the programme is designed to encourage content creation that reflects the Madani aspirations of Malaysia, with emphasis on identity, harmony, integrity and unity, while also ensuring sensitivity towards religion, race and the royal institution.

Fahmi urged eligible parties to take advantage of the funding to produce high quality creative works that can positively impact society and the country.

“I invite all eligible parties to seize this opportunity to continue creating, innovating and producing high quality creative content that brings positive impact to society and the nation,” he said.

Fahmi also announced an additional RM100,000 in funding for joint programmes between MCMC, the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (Finas) and the Malaysian Youth Council to strengthen outreach initiatives on the ground.

He further said the government must balance macroeconomic progress with engagement at the community level.

SEREMBAN, May 15 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today announced a RM5 million allocation for the Malaysian Youth Council (MBM) to strengthen the umbrella body’s role in advancing youth development in the country.

He said the additional RM1 million allocation compared with last year was recognition of MBM’s role as the main driver of the national youth agenda under the Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBS), while reflecting the government’s continued commitment to supporting youth development programmes.

“MBM is the sole youth association under the KBS. So this year, I agree to increase it to RM5 million… last year it was RM4 million,” he said when officiating the 2026 National Youth Day celebration here.

Also present were Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun and Youth and Sports Minister Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari.

Meanwhile, Anwar said the government had also allocated funds under the Islamic Development Programme benefiting 7,091 Kelas Al-Quran dan Fardu Ain (Kafa) teachers, imams, takmir teachers and mosque personnel nationwide, involving a total financial commitment of RM42.3 million.

The Prime Minister said support would also extend to Islamic educational institutions such as pondok schools, tahfiz centres, religious schools and Kafa premises operating outside the supervision of the Education Ministry, with RM5.4 million allocated for maintenance and institutional strengthening.

He said three projects in Negeri Sembilan had been approved by the Prime Minister’s Department Implementation Coordination Unit (ICU), involving RM800,000 in allocations for minor repair works at Maahad Tahfiz Al-Quran Al-Falah Kuala Sawah Rantau, Madrasah Az-Zaakiriin and Pondok Pesantren Darul Tauhid.

In his speech earlier, the Prime Minister also praised Aminuddin’s resilience and determination in navigating the state’s prolonged political challenges while continuing to prioritise the people’s welfare.

Anwar said he appreciated Aminuddin’s steadfast leadership and focus on developing the state despite facing continuous political pressures.

“I salute Menteri Besar Aminuddin for the resilience and spirit he has shown in facing the state’s never-ending political turmoil,” he said. — Bernama