FOR many people facing difficult times, finding a job can be the first step towards rebuilding a life.
That spirit was reflected at the Program Komuniti Semarak Merdeka, Semarak Kerjaya 2026, held at Pusat Transit Harapan in Jalan C.Y. Choy today, bringing together the celebration of National Day with efforts to help individuals experiencing homelessness regain stability and independence.
Attended by Penang Social Development, Welfare and Non-Islamic Religious Affairs Committee chairman Lim Siew Khim, the annual programme organised by Pusat Transit Harapan placed a strong emphasis on career opportunities and recovery, reminding the community that welfare support is not merely about providing immediate assistance, but also about helping people move forward.
Since 2023, a total of 293 individuals staying at Pusat Transit Harapan have successfully secured employment or found permanent accommodation.
For Lim, the figure represents far more than a statistic.
“It shows that Pusat Transit Harapan is only a transit point, a place to receive support, and most importantly, a place to take the next step,” she said.
She described the 293 success stories as deeply meaningful, as each represents an individual who is working to rebuild their life and regain their footing.
“When someone is able to leave Pusat Transit Harapan with a job and a place to stay, that is a success,” she said.
Lim stressed that for someone going through a difficult phase in life, employment is about much more than earning an income.
A job can restore confidence, routine and a sense of responsibility, while giving individuals the most important thing of all which is an opportunity to become independent again.
“That is why, for me, welfare is not just about helping someone today or helping them for one day. It is also about helping them move forward towards tomorrow,” she said.
She also expressed her appreciation for the cooperation between Social Security Organisation (Perkeso) and MyFutureJobs, which has strengthened efforts to connect Pusat Transit Harapan residents with suitable employment opportunities.
She added that through the Langkah Kerjaya programme, Pusat Transit Harapan has worked with Perkeso on job searches and employment matching via MyFutureJobs.
The effort was brought even closer to the residents and surrounding community today through a mini MyFutureJobs career carnival held at the transit centre, providing participants with more direct access to employment opportunities and career assistance.
Story by Riadz Akmal