A new national initiative is set to redefine the relationship between mosque institutions and young Malaysians.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim formally introduced the Rakan Masjid X Rakan Muda Ramadan programme, framing it as part of a broader effort to strengthen values-based development under the Malaysia MADANI vision.
This programme aims to position youth leadership at the centre of community engagement during Ramadan. The Prime Minister emphasised that a mosque’s function should not be limited to a place for faith practices, but should also include community activities and personal development.
“Youngsters need to be given more opportunities and trust to lead activities that bring benefit to the communities,” Anwar highlighted. He stated that he was pleased to see young people using Ramadan and its learning spaces to deepen their faith.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Dr Zulkifli Hasan and Youth and Sports Minister Mohammed Taufiq Johari were also present at the launch, along with the Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office (Religious Affairs) Marhamah Rosli.
Their presence further cemented the government’s backing across programmes connected to faith and youth engagement.
The Rakan Muda Ramadan programme will extend to every State and 113 districts nationwide, marking one of the more structured Ramadan youth mobilisation efforts in recent years.
State-level participation targets stand at 400 individuals in most states, while Perlis and Labuan are projected to host 300 participants each. Combined figures indicate 5,800 participants at the state level alone.
At the district level, the programmes are expected to involve approximately 130 participants, resulting in a cumulative total of 14,690 across districts. These targets display the government’s commitment to integrating mosque-based programming within local communities rather than focusing these activities solely in urban areas.
Rakan Masjid X Rakan Muda Ramadan ultimately reflects a governance approach that aligns spiritual development with national cohesion objectives.
Institutional support of mosques as community centres, combined with youth engagement activities, shows the nation’s commitment to back more youth-centred programmes in the future.
