ALLOWANCES for interns, a youth-run disaster task force and increased action against undocumented foreign nationals were among the proposals raised during the inaugural Federal Territories Youth Assembly.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa said 15 proposals were tabled during the three-day sitting, with nine receiving approval.

The assembly, which had 65 participants, covered the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya and Labuan.

It was held at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre.

Dr Zaliha said among the proposals put forward was to establish a KL Youth Force, aimed at contributing to the welfare of Federal Territories’ residents, and in particular assisting disaster victims.

“Although such structures already exist within the government, such as Nadma (National Disaster Management Agency), the youth proposed that a similar initiative could be expanded specifically at the Federal Territories’ level.

“However, this would require thorough consideration.

“Since matters related to welfare also involve safety and standard operating procedures, we must assess it carefully.

“But we do take their views seriously and will give the proposal due attention,” she told a press conference after the programme.

Another proposal close to the hearts of youth was making industrial allowances mandatory for interns.

“While this is already implemented within government agencies, they are calling for it to be extended to the private sector as well,” said Dr Zaliha.

“We must ensure that interns are not just seen as additional workers but are also given valuable experience and exposure.

“By providing a small incentive like an allowance, I believe it will help them perform better and more meaningfully at the company.

“Although some private companies already provide such allowances for interns, there is currently no clear policy in place and this too requires careful evaluation.

“This would benefit both parties, the intern and the company,” she added.

Dr Zaliha said she would bring the matter up to the Human Resources Minister to explore options, and would engage with private sector stakeholders who work directly with the Federal Territories.

Under current policy, government interns receive RM5 per hour, up to RM3,600 total, for a maximum of 90 working days, as set by the Public Service Department since 2019.

Another issue raised at the assembly was the presence of undocumented foreign nationals.

“We are aware of the presence of foreign workers at locations such as the Selayang wholesale market and Jalan Silang, and have already taken certain enforcement actions.

“We also have forward-looking plans, such as placemaking initiatives, which were also brought up during this youth assembly.

“We will examine all these proposals in detail,” Dr Zaliha added.