THE state government, through the Penang Women’s Development Corporation (PWDC), has demonstrated its commitment to creating sustainable economic opportunities for women through its recent ‘#BizIbuTunggal’ project.
Through this initiative, 127 single mothers in Penang have collectively earned over RM144,000, exceeding the initial RM100,000 target in a period of more than one month.
State Social Development, Welfare, and Non-Islamic Religious Affairs Committee chairman Lim Siew Khim shared this during the state-level International Women’s Day (IWD 2026) celebration at MBSP Tower in Bandar Perda, Bukit Mertajam today.
The celebration was officiated by Yang Mulia Toh Puan Raja Noora Ashikin Raja Abdullah, the wife of the Yang di-Pertua Negeri, Tun Ramli Ngah Talib.
Also present was Madam Tan Lean Kee, wife of Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.
Lim noted that on average, each participant earned RM1,136, while one single mother recorded an impressive income of RM9,600 within this short period.
“#BizIbuTunggal is not merely a sales platform but an empowerment initiative that provides women with the tools, opportunities, and confidence to build sustainable livelihoods.
“The programme adopts the philosophy of teaching skills for long-term resilience, rather than offering short-term assistance, ensuring that beneficiaries can continue generating income beyond the initiative,” she added.
It is learned that the project was launched across all the 40 state constituencies on Feb 6.
Lim also highlighted that this years IWD’s theme is ‘Give to Gain’, emphasising the importance of creating opportunities for women to lead, participate in economic activities, and strengthen their roles in society.
Apart from that Lim also stressed that true empowerment goes beyond symbolic gestures, highlighting the need for structural support that enables women, especially single mothers, to achieve financial independence.
“Beyond economic empowerment, Penang’s month-long IWD celebration also showcased a whole-of-society approach.
“Iconic landmarks such as Komtar, the Second Penang Bridge, and SPICE Arena were illuminated in purple under the ‘Semarak Ungu’ campaign to raise awareness on gender equality.
“Support for International Women’s Day also came from various religious institutions, with messages honouring women delivered through Friday sermons (Khutbah Jumaat), church services, and temple gatherings, reflecting the state’s inclusive and community-oriented approach,” she added.
Lim also highlighted that Penang’s approach sends a clear message, that is, when women are empowered, communities thrive, economies grow, and the state advances as a whole.
The celebration also featured a Showcase @ IWD, highlighting women’s achievements across various sectors, including arts, healthcare, technology, environtmental sustainability and sports and many others.
Meanwhile, PWDC chief executive officer Datuk Ong Bee Leng said that the implementation of the #BizIbuTunggal project through the ‘Raya Cookies’ initiative not only provides immediate assistance but also creates a sustainable source of income for the target group.
“The project engages the Women and Family Development Committee (JPWK) in each state constituency to identify sponsors and select single mothers as product entrepreneurs.
“Sponsors then contribute funds, large or small, which are used to purchase the products from the single mothers such as Raya cookies, hampers, and creative crafts,” she said.
“These products are then distributed to vulnerable groups, including persons with disabilities, the elderly, and children in need,” she said.
Ong also emphasised the importance of mentoring to enhance participants’ business skills and create opportunities for future investment and growth.
“PWDC plans to make this initiative a regular programme during festive seasons such as Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Christmas, Deepavali, and Chinese New Year, while increasing participation,” she added.
Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) mayor Datuk Datuk Baderul Amin Abdul Hamid shared that MBSP adopts an inclusive planning approach by engaging diverse segments of the community, particularly women and children, before implementing infrastructure projects.
Baderul said the insights gathered through surveys and community engagement sessions help ensure that developments address practical needs, including safer pedestrian pathways and improved lighting.
“This approach is reflected in a project in Taman Pauh Jaya, where community-based activities such as colouring contests were held alongside engagement sessions to better understand the needs and priorities of local residents.
“Moving forward, MBSP is developing longer-term, gender-responsive programmes over the next three to four years to support more inclusive infrastructure for women, senior citizens, and children, reinforcing the importance of collaboration and community participation in creating safer and more liveable spaces,” he added.
Some of the pictures taken at the celebration:-
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Adleena Ahmad Rahayu