THE Penang government welcomes the announcement by the Federal Government to establish a special department or institution for children.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the matter was announced during the recent tabling of the national Budget 2023.
“Such a special department is important as it focuses on the children’s development and also looks after the welfare and interests of the group.
“With such a department, it will be easier to formulate any law and policy concerning children’s development.
“We give our full support to this initiative and we hope to know more about this special department such as how it will be set up and which ministry it will be put under.
“In principle, we welcome the setting up of a special department or institution for children,” Chow said in his speech during the Women’s Day programme at Design Village Outlet Mall in Bandar Cassia today.
Also present were state Social Development and Non-Islamic Religious Affairs Committee chairman Chong Eng, Bukit Tambun assemblyman Goh Choon Aik and Penang Women’s Development Corporation (PWDC) chief executive officer Ong Bee Leng.
Speaking about the programme, Chow said it was held in conjunction with the upcoming International Women’s Day (IWD), which is celebrated globally on March 8.
“It is good to see hundreds of women participants joining the programme today. There are various activities such as Zumba dance, line dance and interactive workshops for women.
“I would like to thank the Bukit Tambun constituency service centre and the Bukit Tambun Women and Family Development Committee for successfully organising this programme.
“On behalf of the state government, we greatly appreciate the roles taken by all parties in organising this programme,” he said.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Ahmad Adil Muhamad
Video by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis