THE Penang government has reaffirmed its strong commitment to initiatives that champion preventive healthcare and foster deeper community engagement, recognising both as vital pillars in building a healthier and more resilient society.
State Youth, Sports and Health Committee chairman Daniel Gooi Zi Sen emphasised that empowering communities remains central to the state’s healthcare vision.
“Healthcare cannot be confined to hospitals and clinics alone. It must extend into the community where people live, work, and make daily lifestyle decisions.
“By equipping individuals with knowledge and encouraging early screening, we can shift from a system that merely treats illness to one that actively promotes health,” he said.
Gooi was speaking at the Community Health Ambassador (CHA) appreciation ceremony held at Penang Adventist Hospital (PAH) in Pulau Tikus today.
Also present at the event were PAH group president Ronald Koh and chief executive officer Albin Phua.
Highlighting the impact of the programme, Gooi commended PAH for its proactive efforts in establishing the CHA initiative in 2024, noting its rapid and encouraging progress.
“In a relatively short period, the CHA programme has made significant strides such as recruiting hundreds of ambassadors and reaching thousands through outreach and health screening activities.
“More importantly, it embodies a strong spirit of collaboration. With the involvement of universities, corporate partners, and various stakeholders, it demonstrates what can be achieved when different sectors unite under a shared purpose,” he said.
He also paid tribute to the Community Health Ambassadors, describing their role as both vital and impactful.
“You serve as a crucial bridge between the healthcare system and the community. Through your dedication, more individuals are becoming aware of their health risks and are taking proactive steps towards better health,” he added.
Meanwhile, Phua reiterated that the CHA programme was founded on the belief that healthcare must go beyond hospital walls and into the heart of communities.
Sharing the programme’s achievements, he revealed that it has exceeded expectations since its inception.
“In July 2024, we began with 175 Community Health Ambassadors, with a target set by YB Gooi to recruit an additional 100 members.
“By December 2025, the number had grown to 363, an increase of 188 ambassadors, achieving 188% of the initial target and significantly surpassing expectations.
“Today, the programme is supported by 14 strategic partners, including universities, corporations, government agencies, and community organisations,” he said.
Phua added that, collectively, the ambassadors have reached more than 9,500 individuals through outreach initiatives and health screening programmes.
“These efforts have played a crucial role in raising awareness of non-communicable diseases, while encouraging early detection and healthier lifestyle choices among the community,” he said.
Story by Riadz Akmal