THE Penang government is committed to building a family-friendly and child-friendly state, says Pertubuhan Wanita Mutiara Pulau Pinang (PWMPP) president Madam Tan Lean Kee.
Speaking at the “Safety Heroes United for Community” programme at SJKC Sin Kang in Ayer Itam, Tan, who was the guest of honour, said this includes not only providing comprehensive infrastructure, but also creating a safe, caring and inclusive environment where children can grow and learn in peace.
“In the effort to secure a better future for children, safety education must be an integral part of their development. By nurturing safety awareness from a young age, children will be better equipped in the future to protect themselves and those around them,” she said.
She added that the ‘Safety Heroes United for Community’ programme offered children a valuable opportunity to engage in interactive learning sessions organised by various agencies, allowing them to gain first-hand exposure to everyday “heroes” in society and to better understand the importance of safety awareness, responsibility, and civic consciousness.
“Such interactions also help strengthen the relationship between the community and public safety and welfare agencies, while bringing together different sectors to build a safer, more caring society and create a child-friendly environment for future generations,” she said.
Also present at the event were Penang Island City Council (MBPP) mayor Datuk A. Rajendran and his wife Datin Devika S. Thiagarajan, Brazil’s honorary Consul in Penang and Penang Crime Consciousness and Public Safety Society (CCPSS) honorary president Datuk Annie Chin, MBPP councillor and Child-Friendly City Programme organising chairman Koay Gaik Kee, Penang Harmony Community Care Association and Education Development and Transformation Council president Dr Lee Eng Wah, Penang Fire and Rescue Department director Mohamad Shoki Hamzah, Penang JPJ Senior Head of Road Safety Management and Corporate Division Siti Zuraida Napi, Northeast District Police Headquarters head of Crime Prevention and Community Safety Division DSP Sanizam Saad, and The Learning Kingdom chief operating officer Mable Phang.
Meanwhile, Dr Lee said the objective of the programme is to instil a culture of safety in participants to help them respond effectively to various emergencies in the future.
He stressed that safety is not solely the responsibility of enforcement agencies, but a shared responsibility of society. It begins at home, is reinforced in schools, practised in communities, and supported by agencies dedicated to public welfare.
“Safety education must start from a young age. If children understand concepts such as road safety, fire safety, personal safety, and digital safety, they will grow into more responsible individuals with stronger adaptability,” he said.
He added that participants should make full use of the activities provided, learn from officers and staff of safety agencies, and apply the knowledge in their daily lives.
Koay expressed hope that the platform, through fun and interactive learning methods, will help communities and children develop safety awareness, build good safety habits, and learn to protect themselves and others.
She also thanked various government agencies for their strong support, which enriched the programme and provided families and children with the opportunity to gain closer insight into the vital roles these agencies play in safeguarding public safety and social welfare.
She stressed that the initiative aligns with the state government’s vision of building a “child-friendly city”, where community-based programmes play an important role in advancing this agenda.
She encouraged all participants to fully engage in the activities, learn from the “safety heroes” present, and appreciate their contributions towards a safer and more harmonious community.
The event saw active participation from multiple agencies, including the Royal Malaysia Police, the Road Transport Department, the Fire and Rescue Department, and Pos Malaysia, among others.
Pix by Alissala Thian