THE newly launched PAWE Jelutong Senior Citizens Activity Centre is set to benefit Penang’s growing senior population as the state steps up preparations to become an ageing state by 2030.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the opening of the centre under the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) marked a shift from policy discussions to concrete action on the ground.
“For nearly 10 years, we have talked about the ageing-society issue.
“The time for discussion has passed. Now is the time for us to act on what we have formulated,” he said when officiating the centre at 252A Jalan Air Itam today.
Chow said Penang’s demographic reality made it necessary for the state to develop an inclusive and empowering ageing-society policy.
“Our population is ageing, and more of our citizens are entering the senior category. We need a policy that involves all stakeholders and that strengthens the well-being of senior citizens,” he noted.
Chow added that local authorities, such as MBPP and the Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP), played a crucial role in turning state-level policy ideas into practical community-level initiatives.
“MBPP and MBSP have helped ensure that what we plan at the state level becomes real and felt by the people,” he pointed out.
Chow said Penang now has nine senior activity centres operating across the state and efforts will continue to expand such facilities.
“I have previously suggested collaboration with other non-governmental organisations (NGOs) that have their own premises so their spaces can be used as activity centres, especially in the morning and evening sessions,” he said.
Chow shared that such centres offer vital programmes that promote physical health, recreation and social interaction among seniors.
“These centres help our senior citizens stay active, healthy and connected with their peers,” he explained.
Chow also praised MBPP for becoming a member of an international body dedicated to ageing-society development.
“MBPP has taken the lead by joining an international network in this field. It sets an example for other local authorities in Malaysia,” he added.
Chow thanked PAWE Jelutong chairman Datuk Seri Lawrence Cheah and the volunteer team for their dedication in managing the centre.
“My appreciation also goes to the corporate sector, NGOs and institutions of higher learning. Their cooperation is vital in building an age-friendly Penang,” he said.
He said the state is committed to ensuring Penang remains a place that supports citizens of all ages.
MBPP mayor Datuk A. Rajendran said the council is pushing ahead with strategic actions focusing on civic engagement and employment opportunities to strengthen the age-friendly city agenda.
He said that being an age-friendly city is a continuous process rather than a one-time accreditation.
“We must understand that becoming an age-friendly city is not a certificate, but an ongoing responsibility,” he noted.
Rajendran lauded the setting up of PAWE Jelutong, hoping to see more senior citizens benefit from the centre.
Cheah thanked the state and MBPP for their efforts in spearheading the setting up of the centre, adding that the senior citizens can carry out their leisure activities there.
“We will also have a hotline to enable those senior citizens to contact us to chat or if they encounter any problems in their lives,” he said, noting they also offer transport to ferry the old folk in the area to nearby if they need assistance.
Among those present were state Social Development, Welfare and Non-Islamic Religious Committee chairman Lim Siew Khim, Sungai Puyu assemblyman Phee Syn Tze and former state executive councillor Datuk Seri Phee Boon Poh.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis
Video by Siti Nuratikah Rahmat