THE Rifle Range Community Centre (Pusat Komuniti Padang Tembak) stands as a testament to how strong partnerships between the government, local authorities and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) can transform lives and strengthen communities.
State Social Development, Welfare and Non-Islamic Religious Affairs Committee chairman Lim Siew Khim said the community centre, established through a collaboration between the Penang government via the Penang Women’s Development Corporation (PWDC), Penang Island City Council (MBPP) and Buddhist Tzu-Chi Merits Society Malaysia (Tzu Chi Malaysia), has evolved into a vibrant community hub serving residents of all ages.
Speaking during her visit to the centre today, Lim said the tripartite partnership, which began in 2022 and has since been extended until 2028, reflects the confidence placed in the initiative and its positive impact on the Padang Tembak community.
“What started off as the idea of providing a childcare centre for the community has turned into a successful model of collaboration that demonstrates what we can achieve when the state government, local authorities and community partners work together.
“What I find most meaningful is that this initiative did not start with a building, but with the people who wanted to make a difference,” she said.
Lim noted that even before the community centre was officially established, Tzu Chi volunteers had been providing free one-to-one tuition to children living at the Rifle Range Flats since 2021.
Although the programme was temporarily suspended during the Covid-19 pandemic due to movement restrictions, the volunteers resumed their services as soon as conditions permitted, eventually laying the foundation for today’s multi-purpose community centre.
She said the facility exemplifies the effective use of public spaces, serving as a childcare centre on weekdays before transforming into a community hub during weekends, offering educational support, digital learning, sports and recreational activities, as well as programmes for senior citizens and residents.
“This is the kind of community development we want to encourage in Penang, making better use of existing resources while bringing people together across different generations,” she said.
Since April 2022, the state government has channelled RM510,000, equivalent to RM30,000 per quarter, to support the operation of the community centre.
Lim stressed that the allocation should be viewed as an investment in the people rather than merely an operating expense.
She also called on NGOs, corporations, educational institutions and community organisations to collaborate with the state government in expanding similar initiatives throughout Penang.
“If you have programmes, expertise, volunteers, resources or even suitable community spaces, we are always open to exploring collaborations that can benefit the people of Penang.
“I hope Pusat Komuniti Padang Tembak will inspire more organisations to come forward and work with us to create similar community-based initiatives,” she added.
Touching on the state’s broader social development agenda, Lim said today’s visit also reflected ongoing efforts to strengthen Penang’s care ecosystem through the legalisation of childcare centres (TASKA), kindergartens (TADIKA) and care centres (TTPJ).
Since the launch of the state’s legalisation initiative in March this year, she said 136 out of 268 identified care centre operators have come forward to begin the registration process.
She also announced that eight operators have successfully obtained registration approval from the Social Welfare Department (JKM).
“Our goal has never been enforcement for the sake of enforcement. Our priority is to work alongside operators so that every childcare and care centre in Penang provides a safe, quality and legally compliant environment for the people who depend on these services.
“The state government will continue to support registered TTPJ by exploring various forms of incentives, training opportunities and capacity-building programmes because we want registration to be recognised as a commitment to quality and continuous improvement,” she said.
Lim concluded by encouraging the public to support Tzu Chi’s community initiatives through volunteerism, professional expertise, financial contributions and community programmes, saying that lasting social impact can only be achieved when more people come together.
The Rifle Range Community Centre, launched on May 22, 2022, was established near the Rifle Range Market under a tripartite collaboration between PWDC, MBPP and Tzu Chi Malaysia.
Besides managing the existing daycare centre, the facility also features a reading corner, computer learning support, sports and recreational activities, and educational programmes aimed at empowering children and youths while fostering a more caring and inclusive community.
The first agreement ran from April 1, 2022, to March 31, 2025, and has since been renewed for another three years until March 31, 2028, ensuring the continuity of services and community programmes for residents in the area.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Alissala Thian