SOME 240 families immersed themselves in various family-bonding activities during the state-level Family Day celebration at the Sony Recreational Sports Complex in Seberang Jaya today.
Known as the ‘Family Day ❤️Penang 2023’, it was organised by the state government through the Penang Women’s Development Corporation (PWDC).
With the theme ‘Rise Together ❤️Penang: Safe, Strong, Nurturing’, the event started from 7am to 12 noon.
Various exciting activities and programmes were conducted, which require the involvement and participation of the whole family.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, in his opening remarks, said the Family Day ❤️Penang 2023 was a great platform to strengthen family bonding among family members.
“I am proud to see how close the family ties in front of me today and I am sure that many of you are mothers and fathers who support each other and guide your children in the right way as well.
“After all, a happy and quality family will encourage the formation of a more responsible, productive and educated society, while contributing to the stability and prosperity of this beloved state.
“We must remember that it is not possible for our state to achieve prosperity, unity and success if we do not have a happy and quality family.
“Hence, this is why we decided to organise such programmes and activities today,” Chow said in his speech before officiating the Family Day ❤️Penang 2023.
Chow added that the Penang government would continue to support and provide a safe environment for all families in the state.
“We want to help families to be more resilient, to rise from difficult situations, and to foster love between family members. At the same time, to form a harmonious and prosperous family institution.
“This is because we believe that family not only plays an important role in society but also the development of the state,” he said.
Also present were state Social Development and Non-Islamic Religious Affairs Committee chairman Chong Eng, Penang Island City Council mayor Datuk A. Rajendran, Seberang Perai City Council mayor Datuk Azhar Arshad and PWDC chief executive officer Ong Bee Leng.
According to Chong Eng, this year’s Family Day ❤️Penang 2023 celebration has three main objectives.
“The first is to provide a platform for family members to strengthen family ties.
“The second is to close the gap between generations in families and communities.
“And the third is to improve the understanding of the importance of family institutions in the community.
“I hope that every activity that is held today will have a positive impact on family bonds as well as promote a harmonious family in Penang,” she said.
Chong Eng also described that family relationship is like a Malay proverb ‘ibarat air yang dicincang tidak akan putus’ (blood is thicker than water).
“It technically means that despite all the disputes that occur between family members or someone you are close to, in the end, everyone is just fine and good to each other once again.
“So, through this programme today, we must appreciate our family members and spend some quality time with them to strengthen family bonds,” she said, adding that the state government would organise more family-oriented programmes after this for such purposes.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Muhamad Amir Irsyad Omar
Video by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis