THE Penang government will continue to provide space for social development and healthy activities alongside infrastructure development, says Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.
Speaking at the opening of the “Move & Smile – Family Fitness Dance” Programme, organised by the Women and Family Development Committee (JPWK) Padang Kota, Chow said the state prioritises holistic family well-being in line with the Penang2030 Vision of a Family-Focused, Green and Smart State that Inspires the Nation.
“With the rapid changes brought about by technological advancement, it is important to give equal attention to social development. The state has always been promoting healthy living within the community — not only physically, but also mentally and emotionally — to help people cope with challenges,” said Chow, who is also the Padang Kota assemblyman and Batu Kawan MP.
Chow added that the fitness dance programme was both meaningful and beneficial, noting that participating for even two or three hours could contribute positively to overall well-being.
“This initiative clearly reflects an active, inclusive and family-friendly Penang community that places great emphasis on the well-being of its people,” he said.
Speaking to reporters after joining the fitness dance, Chow reiterated the state government’s commitment to empowering women through various policies, programmes and strategic initiatives.
“To date, a total of 435 women entrepreneurs have completed the PENMentor programme, strengthening their networks and enhancing their business skills. Moving forward, the state government aims for up to 40 per cent ownership of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Penang to be held by women by 2030, enabling them to become active contributors to the state’s economic development,” he said.
Earlier, JPWK Padang Kota chairperson Datin Yeoh Phaik Suan called on the state government to continuously look into providing open spaces — both indoor and outdoor — for community use, and to incorporate such spaces into future development projects.
“This programme is not just about dance and exercise; it is about bringing families together, staying active and sharing joy through movement and smiles,” she said.
She added that the programme was specially designed to promote healthy living through fitness dance, while at the same time strengthening family bonds and community relationships.
“In today’s fast-paced world, people often get caught up with work, gadgets and daily routines. Programmes like this give us the opportunity to slow down, move together, smile together and reconnect as a family,” she said.
Among the 250 participants was housewife Shazlina Md Hussian, who attended the programme with her two children — Nur Jannah Muhd Ismail, a 16-year-old student from SMK Bukit Jambul, and Muhammad Syafi, an 11-year-old pupil from SK Minden Height.
“I enjoy staying active as it helps release tension. I also want to instil in my children the importance of exercise,” said Shazlina, who regularly takes part in the WeNJoy daily fitness dance sessions at Persiaran Karpal Singh, conducted by Eddy Lim.
“I will encourage my children to participate during their school holidays,” she added.
Also present at the “Move & Smile – Family Fitness Dance” Programme were Penang Island City Council (MBPP) mayor Datuk A. Rajendran and his wife, Datin Devika Thiagarajan, MBPP councillor Benji Ang, Lion’s Club of Georgetown former president Datuk Vincent Yen, WeNJoy Fitness Dance team leader Eddy Lim and Wendy Fitness Dance Group leader Wendy Lim.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Muhamad Iqbal Hamdan
Video by Alissala Thian