The implications of the Youth Act 2007 on Boys' Brigade

"AKTA 668 - Akta Pertubuhan Belia dan Pembangunan Belia 2007" (or The Youth Act 2007) was enacted on July 26, 2007. This means that, as of 26 July 2007, The Youth Act 2007 is a law of Malaysia.

What is this about?
Some major points to note about The Youth Act 2007:

• The law defines “youth” as those between the ages of 15 to 40
• A Youth Organization is considered as:

1. any organisation that has the name 'Youth' or something which means 'Youth',
2. its members are between the ages of 15 to 40,
3. has an objective of conducting youth activities

• All Office Bearers (EXCOs/Leaders/Top “Official Positions”) of youth organisations and its branches must be members of the organization, and hence must be between the ages of 15 to 40.
• All current YOUTH ORGANISATIONS registered under the Registrar of Societies (ROS), like Boys’ Brigade Malaysia, will be required to register under the Registrar of Youth (ROY). The Registrar of Societies (ROS) will no longer register nor recognise any youth organizations.

Why should you be concerned?
Some facts that you need to consider carefully that will have an impact on the BB:

• Our members are from the ages of 6 (pre-junior) to above 40 years old (Officers, Captains, State Commissioners, BBM EXCO).
• What will happen to our members aged 14 and below? How about those above 40 years old? Will they still be our Members?
• For those above 40 (like the majority of our EXCO), if they still want to contribute to the Boys’ Brigade, how can they?
• Do we have enough willing Officers under 40 years old to take up state and national responsibilities?
• How about those BB Companies without any officers 40 and below?
• If BB is not registered under the ROY and no longer recognized by the ROS, can we still exist? Will we be recognised by the government? Can we go into schools?

What can you do?
Fellow BB members, the implications are serious and needs your serious thoughts and relevant action.

1. Please pray that God will be in control of this situation.
2. Pray that God will grant all attending the EGM (State and National) wisdom and courage to do what’s right for BBM’s future
3. Attend – or ensure that your company is represented at – the EGM
4. Spread the news of this far and wide so that all BB Members and Officers are fully aware of the situation and are playing their part in taking action
5. For Officers aged 20s and 30s, they need to come forward to take up office in the local company, state and national level.

For more information, please contact BBM HQ