PERSATUAN Syukur Penyayang Pulau Pinang (PSPPP), a non-profit old folks’ home, can finally breathe a sigh of relief after receiving a five-year operating permit from the state Welfare Department.
State Social Development, Welfare and Non-Islamic Religious Affairs Committee chairman Lim Siew Khim said the approval came at an opportune time, as the home is preparing for a fundraising dinner at SJKC Shang Wu, Jalan Air Itam, on Dec 21.
After applying for the licence in 2019 and undergoing a long and tedious process, PSPPP was officially granted the permit for the period 29 September 2025 to 28 September 2030.
Lim said she plans to hold a workshop for government agencies and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to streamline and expedite the licence application process.
“I want to bring the agencies and NGOs together to discuss how we can simplify the procedures and speed up approvals. We need to develop a clear and simplified guideline,” she told reporters during her visit to the home today.
She noted that many NGOs face delays due to technical issues with agencies or local authorities. Without their clearance, the Welfare Department cannot issue the necessary permit.
“We have to iron out these technical matters. The most important thing is to meet the basic requirements and ensure safety,” Lim emphasised.
Lim added that she has recently held town hall sessions with kindergarten, nursery, and childcare centre operators on both the island and mainland to gather feedback, clarify concerns, and work collaboratively toward feasible solutions.
She reiterated that the state government is exploring a comprehensive and equitable system that reduces the burden on operators while maintaining safety standards.
“Our goal is to resolve this issue once and for all and achieve a win-win outcome for all parties,” she said.
Also present during Lim’s visit to the home were her predecessor, Datuk Seri Chong Eng, and Northeast District Welfare Department officer Baizlin Hasbi Bedol. They were welcomed by PSPPP founder Peter Tan Hiang Hock and treasurer Shally Yeap Bee Ai.
Echoing Lim’s views, Chong Eng said that collaboration among government agencies, departments, and care home operators is crucial to easing licensing challenges and ensuring continued care for the elderly.
“The state is facing an ageing society, and many people lack sufficient EPF savings. If operators become frustrated by the long wait for licences and give up, the elderly will have nowhere to go — some may even end up on the streets,” she warned.
“These NGOs are helping the state care for them. All Excos, agencies, and departments must give their full cooperation,” said Chong Eng, who is also chairman of the General Committee of the Silver Jubilee Home for the Aged and a trustee of the Penang & Province Wellesley Silver Jubilee Fund.
Tan, the PSPPP principal, said the home is now focusing on raising RM80,000 through its upcoming 20th Anniversary Dinner, aptly named 20 Years of Gratitude Anniversary Dinner.
Located at 254 Jalan Air Itam in a building rented from the Penang Island City Council (MBPP), the home currently houses 37 residents.
Lim also presented a RM5,000 contribution from her office to the home and urged members of the public to support the fundraising dinner.
Story and pix by K.H. Ong