In anticipation of Penang’s growing senior population, the state government is rolling out a series of initiatives aimed at helping elderly residents stay active, healthy, and socially engaged.
As part of this commitment, a new senior activity centre was officially launched at 252A, Jalan Air Itam.
The ceremony was graced by Penang Chief Minister YAB Chow Kon Yeow, State Executive Councillor YB Lim Siew Khim, MBPP Mayor Dato’ A. Rajendran, Dato’ Khoo Boo Leong of the Northern Region Commission for the Buddhist Tzu-Chi Merit Society, and Dato’ Seri Lawrence Cheah, Chairman of the Golden Hope Seniors Activity Centre.
Designed to promote holistic well-being, the centre will offer a wide range of activities and services for senior citizens.
These include a dedicated Pickleball court, mahjong facilities, and a hydroponic farming area that encourages hands-on engagement with urban agriculture. In addition, the centre will feature a call-centre service for senior support, an emergency mobility van, and an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) unit, ensuring quick response in times of need.
In his speech, Chow expressed his confidence that the centre will become a valuable asset to the community, especially as Penang experiences a steady increase in its senior demographic.
“The Penang Island City Council has set an exemplary model for other local councils in Malaysia to emulate. I am certain that the facilities provided here will be well utilised and will greatly benefit our senior citizens,” he said.
The event concluded with Chow and the other distinguished guests taking part in a ribbon-cutting ceremony, marking the official opening of the new senior activity centre.
A thunderous lion dance performance accompanied the launch.