THE Penang government has outlined four strategic initiatives to support its Age-Friendly City project, with the aim of achieving the state’s declaration by 2025, state Social Development, Welfare and Non-Islamic Religious Affairs Committee chairman Lim Siew Khim said.
After having successfully joined the Global Network of Age-Friendly Cities and Communities set up by the World Health Organisation (WHO) this year, the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) was chosen to lead a pilot project for the Age-Friendly City initiative.
This project, spearheaded by the local council, aims to promote the well-being of the elderly, increase their social and economic participation, as well as create a more sustainable and livable community.
Lim (PH – Sungai Pinang) told the State Legislative Assembly sitting today that the state government will focus on four domains.
These include providing a range of suitable housing options for the elderly, emphasising the importance and value of the elderly within the community, offering various designated facilities and services, and lastly ensuring easy access to medical facilities in the state.
“By 2024, we hope to finalise the Age-Friendly City project, and then work thoroughly on implementing the four domains.
“In this one year, we hope to streamline these domains so that we can ensure the state can be declared an Age-Friendly City by 2025,” Lim said.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Siti Nuratikah Rahmat