THE Penang Island City Council (MBPP) has launched a special initiative to help senior citizens from underprivileged backgrounds stay active and supplement their retirement through part-time employment.
The initiative, called the Senior Citizens Empowerment Programme, aims to provide job opportunities to elderly individuals who are still healthy and energetic. The goal is to keep them engaged, productive, and connected to their community.
MBPP mayor Datuk A. Rajendran said this programme also allows senior citizens to continue socialising and feel valued within the community.
He added that the initiative aligns with the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) guidelines under the Age-Friendly Cities framework, specifically Domain 6: Civic Participation and Employment.
“Part-time jobs will be offered to individuals aged 60 and above who are still fit and able to carry out tasks such as cleaning and maintaining public toilets, caring for community parks, maintaining and cleaning MBPP-owned offices and premises, as well as other tasks assigned from time to time based on operational needs,” Rajendran said when contacted by Buletin Mutiara today.
He added that senior citizens who are interested can visit MBPP’s Development Planning Department to fill out an application form.
“The names will be forwarded to MBPP’s Human Resources Department for interview arrangements. Recruitment and placement will be done based on available vacancies and needs.
“Applicants who pass the interview will also need to undergo a medical check-up before they are officially appointed,” he explained.
He further explained that so far, six senior citizens have been hired under the programme, reporting for duty on July 15 at the Development Planning Department.
“This programme will be expanded from time to time to ensure the continued well-being and participation of senior citizens in Penang,” Rajendran added.
Story by Riadz Akmal