PWDC to focus on women’s and children’s well-being, says state exco member

THE Penang Women Development Corporation (PWDC) will be setting up a unit to cater for the well-being of family and children next year.

Chong Eng, the state executive councillor for Women & Family Development, Gender Inclusiveness & Non-Islamic Religious Affairs, said the unit would be working with various non-governmental organisations (NGOs) that share same objectives but operate in different languages.

“For instance, SNEHAM Malaysia provides a toll-free hotline predominantly in Tamil for those who are suffering from personal crisis (mentally and emotionally).

“The state government is also discussing how to collaborate with relevant units and formulate pre-marital courses to ensure that strong marriages are built.

“We will also focus on areas such as children’s preschool education,” said Chong Eng when she visited ‘Home Dynamics’, a charitable organisation today.

Chong Eng speaking to the members of the organisation during her visit

Chong Eng stressed that she would continue to champion matters concerning women and gender inclusiveness following the recent restructuring of her portfolio to Social Development and Non-Islamic Religious Affairs from tomorrow.

“I just would like to affirm here that we (PWDC) will keep advocating gender equality, gender inclusiveness and on top of that, we will implement the safe family policy,” she added.

Home Dynamics provides free counselling services for those who need a positive outlook in life despite the challenges that they are facing.

Its founder, Dr Wah Joon Tong, expressed his gratitude to the state government for contributing *some financial aid* to the organisation during the movement control order (MCO).

“I hope that we can work together with the state government in future and hopefully the state government will keep supporting our work.

“Our activities right now are mostly online-based due to the pandemic.

“You only have one life; make sure you cherish it. If you need someone to talk to, do not hesitate to contact us,” added Dr Wah.

Dr. Wah presenting mementos to Chong Eng

Counselling service is available from Oct 1 onwards from Monday to Saturday from 10 am to 6pm (1pm to 2pm – break)

Those who need legal consultation on marriage can visit the organisation on every second Saturday of the month from 10 am to 6pm.

Home Dynamics 93-1, Jalan Gurdwara, Taman Windmill, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang.

Contact no : 04-2109923 / 2109925

Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi