THE Penang government has commended the Women’s Centre for Change (WCC) for four decades of unwavering commitment to protecting women and children from violence and abuse.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who was the guest of honour at WCC’s 40th Anniversary Fundraising Dinner at St Giles Wembley tonight, praised the organisation’s tireless work, which he said has transformed countless lives.
“Lives have been changed through WCC’s support services, advocacy, and education. I congratulate WCC for carrying out this mission,” Chow said in his speech.
He emphasised that the dinner was not only a celebration of WCC’s achievements but also an investment in its future. On behalf of the state government, Chow announced a RM50,000 contribution to WCC. The organisation surpassed its fundraising target by collecting more than RM500,000.
A total of 700 people attended the event. WCC’s last fundraising event was 10 years ago.
Chow expressed concern over the rising cases of violence against women and children nationwide, noting that child sexual abuse remains a serious issue in Penang.
Between 2020 and 2024, Malaysia recorded a 53% increase in reported child sexual offences, with over 3,800 cases in 2024 alone. In Penang, the State Social Welfare Department documented 4,080 child abuse cases since 2010, including 201 in the first four months of this year.
Domestic violence also remains widespread, with more than 2,460 cases reported nationwide between January and April 2025. In Penang, over 1,800 cases were reported between 2021 and 2024, averaging more than 450 annually. This placed the state seventh among Malaysia’s 14 states.
Chow also voiced concern over bullying, stressing its harmful effects in schools, workplaces, and online.
“Bullying, whether in schools, workplaces, or online, shatters confidence, causes lasting trauma, and robs children of their future. As chief minister, let me be clear: bullying has no place in Penang. If such cases arise in our state, they will be dealt with firmly,” he said, adding that prevention and awareness are crucial.
Chow further acknowledged WCC’s role in empowering survivors to speak out and in equipping children through school-based preventive education. He praised the organisation’s advocacy in reforming laws and policies, challenging stigma, and promoting gender equality.
The state has partnered with WCC on several initiatives, including the establishment of the Pusat Perkhidmatan Wanita in Seberang Perai. Under the Penang Safe Family Policy, WCC and the Penang Women’s Development Corporation (PWDC) have also trained more than 600 community first responders.
“These efforts show what is possible when we work together,” Chow said. “For us in Penang, we are not merely looking at statistics or programmes. It is about our Penang2030 vision — to be a family-focused, green, and smart state. That vision cannot be realised if women and children do not feel safe.”
He urged the public to continue supporting WCC so the organisation can expand into new areas such as anti-bullying initiatives.
“Let us support WCC generously so that its role can continue to grow — from fighting violence and abuse to taking on new challenges such as bullying and making Penang safer for every child, every woman, and every family,” he said.
Organising chair and WCC Fundraising Ambassador Datuk Annie Chin thanked the public for helping WCC exceed its target of RM500,000.
“As a non-profit organisation, WCC is fully dependent on donations to carry out our work. The support we receive allows us to provide free services and education for many programmes, especially for women and children in the B40 community,” said Chin, who is also Brazil’s honorary consul in Penang.
Over the past four decades, WCC has supported more than 250,000 women, children, and members of the public through free services, education programmes, and advocacy.
Chin noted that fundraising has become increasingly challenging, which led WCC to establish its social enterprise, the WCC Value Shop, in 2017. The shop accepts quality pre-loved clothing, accessories, and household items from the public, with proceeds channelled to WCC. It recently moved into new, larger premises at Island 88.
She encouraged the public to visit and shop there in support of WCC’s mission.
WCC president Dr Hajar Abdul Rahim expressed her gratitude to the organisation’s dedicated staff, volunteers, funders, and donors.
“Thanks to the generosity of the people, women and girls facing abusive, often horrific and painful situations can find hope, healing, and access to justice in the midst of unimaginable hardship,” Dr Hajar said.
She added that WCC remains the only NGO in Malaysia providing comprehensive support for survivors — from crisis to court — with compassion, integrity, and professionalism.
Since the 1990s, WCC has also conducted sexual abuse prevention programmes for thousands of schoolchildren and teenagers, while continuing to advocate for stronger laws and policies to protect women and children. It also collaborates with hospitals, law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and courts to enhance the management of cases within the justice system.
The dinner featured a lively evening of entertainment, including a performance by The LSC Pacemakers band and a special appearance by award-winning international singer Kamal Chopra.
Also present were Chow’s wife, Madam Tan Lean Kee, state Social Development, Welfare and Non-Islamic Religious Affairs Committee chairman Lim Siew Khim, Pulau Tikus assemblyman Joshua Woo Sze Seng, and former state executive councillor Datuk Seri Chong Eng.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Darwina Mohd Daud
Video by Siti Nuratikah Rahmat