FAMILY wellbeing is not defined only by financial stability or health, but also by connection, communication and respect, says Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of the Family Wellbeing Workshop at MPKK Bukit Tengah Community Hall today, Chow explained that simple practices, when nurtured consistently, become the foundations of resilience in today’s fast-changing world.
“As chief minister, I too juggle heavy responsibilities while striving to make time for my family.
“It is never easy, but I believe that making space for our loved ones is not a matter of convenience; it is a matter of priority.
“Strong families provide the strength to serve, to lead, and to face life’s trials with courage. This is why families lie at the very heart of the Penang2030 vision, which is to build ‘A Family-Focused, Green and Smart State that Inspires the Nation’.
“Every initiative we pursue under this vision is ultimately aimed at strengthening the foundation of family life,” said Chow.
The one-day workshop was jointly organised by the Women’s Rights Awareness Association (WRAA) and Sneham Malaysia.
Chow added that empowering women and protecting children also remain essential to the state’s mission.
“We continue to support non-governmental organisations like WRAA in advancing equality and safeguarding vulnerable groups.
“This is complemented by the i-Sejahtera Welfare Programme, which disbursed RM53.83 million to over 285,000 recipients between January and July this year alone, providing critical support in the face of rising living costs.
“Earlier in February, Penang Island City Council (MBPP) also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef) under the Child-Friendly Cities Initiative, embedding children’s rights and wellbeing directly into our urban development agenda,” said Chow.
Chow added that these efforts reflect the state government’s conviction that strong families create strong communities, and strong communities build a resilient state.
“Yet, policies and programmes alone cannot replace the values and care nurtured within our homes.
“Real change begins in the everyday choices we make in terms of how we communicate, resolve problems, and pass down values to the next generation,” he concluded.
Also present were Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) councillor Rachel Teh Chuann Yien, WRAA founder and adviser Datuk Seri Chong Eng, WRAA chairlady Major Datuk Leena Lee Soch Khim and Sneham Malaysia founder Datuk Dr Florance Sinniah.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Ahmad Adil Muhamad
Video by Siew Chia En