PENANG reaffirmed its commitment to placing children at the heart of development with the official launch of the Children-Friendly City Programme at Queensbay Mall today, marking another key milestone under the Penang 2030 vision.
State Social Development, Welfare and Non-Islamic Religious Affairs Committee chairman Lim Siew Khim said a children-friendly approach is not a standalone initiative, but a core pillar of Penang’s long-term aspirations as a family-focused, green and smart state.
“Our shared commitment is to ensure that children grow up in an environment that is safe, nurturing, inclusive and supportive of their overall well-being,” she said, adding that a state serious about being family-oriented must first protect its children from harm.
Lim highlighted the Penang government’s long-standing focus on protection, prevention and empowerment, particularly for women and children, citing the Penang Goes Orange campaign, adopted since 2014 in line with the international movement to end violence against women and children.
“Safety, dignity and protection are fundamental principles of any truly children-friendly city,” she stressed.
She also underscored Penang’s life-course approach to social development, noting the state’s parallel journey towards becoming an age-friendly state.
With Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) now joining the WHO Global Network for Age-Friendly Cities and Communities, Lim said the entire state is on a structured roadmap towards becoming a negeri mesra usia.
“This approach, from children to families to senior citizens, reflects our commitment to building a society where everyone is supported, valued and empowered, regardless of age,” she said, calling for strong collaboration between government, local councils, civil society, the private sector and the community.
Lim welcomed the active participation of children in the programme, saying that giving them a voice nurtures confidence, responsibility and civic awareness from a young age.
She later officially launched the Children-Friendly City Programme, expressing hope that it would create lasting opportunities and a safer future for Penang’s children.
Penang Community Harmony and Cultural Association (CHC) president Dr Lee Eng Wah described the programme as a comprehensive initiative that goes beyond physical development.
“A truly developed city is not measured solely by infrastructure or economic growth, but by the level of safety, well-being and opportunities provided for children and families,” he said.
Dr Lee said the programme emphasises safety, health, education, social well-being and community engagement, and thanked multiple state agencies, non-governmental organisations and private sector partners for their support, including Queensbay for providing the venue.
At the local council level, Penang Island City Council (MBPP) councillor Koay Gaik Kee said a city that is good for children will ultimately be good for everyone.
“We must not only listen to our children, but actively invest in them,” she said, outlining a series of initiatives aimed at empowering children through creativity, civic awareness and safety education.
Koay said MBPP is working with UNICEF-appointed partners to develop a Children-Friendly City Action Plan grounded in evidence-based planning, while future collaborations with agencies such as the Road Transport Department, Fire and Rescue Department and Royal Malaysia Police will introduce child-focused programmes on road safety, emergency preparedness and public institutions.
“When we invest in our children today, we are shaping the future of the city tomorrow,” she said.
Also present at the event were Sungai Puyu assemblyman Phee Syn Tze, MBPP mayor Datuk A. Rajendran, and young student performers from D’Kingdom Kinderland and Plato Learning House, whose colourful performances reflected the spirit of a city designed with children in mind.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Law Suun Ting