THE state government, through the local authorities (PBT), must prioritise efforts to enhance facilities for the senior citizens, says Heng Lee Lee (PH-Berapit).
Heng shared this during the State Legislative Assembly in Light Street today. She also added that the facilities in need of upgrades include public parks and government premises.
“To make Penang a senior-citizen friendly state, we need to ensure that public facilities such as recreational parks, toilets and government service centres are easily accessible to this group.
She noted that as part of ongoing efforts, the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) has installed outdoor exercise equipment in several parks and upgraded pedestrian walkways in popular tourist areas, including Padang Kota Lama.
“However, many neighbourhoods still lack designated safe spaces where senior citizens can gather and engage with one another,” Lee added.
Heng also encouraged the elderly in Penang, to follow Japan’s example, where senior citizens actively serve as sports volunteers.
“A 2022 study found that 7.6 per cent of Japan’s senior citizens participate in sports and exercise-related volunteer work, including organising or leading community fitness sessions.
“Volunteers conduct preventive exercise classes such as ‘silver rehabilitation taisou’ and ‘Square-Stepping Exercise’ to help their peers maintain good health,” she added.
At the same time, Heng pointed out that digital systems and complex procedures continue to present challenges for senior citizens in accessing information and government services.
She also highlighted that, under the ‘Age-Friendly City Action Plan’, introduced in May 2024, public park cleanliness on the island is expected to improve by 70 per cent by the end of the year.
“As part of the initiatives, at least four parks and public buildings will be equipped with Universal Design features.
“Infrastructure such as bus stops, pedestrian walkways, the Komtar bus terminal, and facilities at the Tun Raja Uda Terminal will also be upgraded,” she said.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter