THE Penang Island City Council (MBPP) continues to take significant steps toward becoming an age-friendly city with the implementation of an engagement session on the Penang Age-Friendly City Policy.
This initiative aims to create an inclusive environment for people of all ages, particularly the elderly.
The engagement session, held recently at Taman Jajar Sungai Ara in Bayan Lepas, was a joint effort between MBPP, the Penang Women’s Development Corporation (PWDC), and the Malaysian Healthy Aging Society (MHAS).
This collaboration underscores the commitment of various stakeholders in promoting policies and infrastructure that cater to the needs of the ageing population.
According to MBPP mayor Datuk A. Rajendran, Taman Jajar Sungai Ara was chosen as the venue for this session under ‘Domain 1: Outdoor Spaces and Buildings’ of the Penang Age-Friendly City Policy.
“The park’s natural environment, featuring the Sungai Ara river and rain trees, provides a relaxing and comfortable setting for senior citizens to unwind and engage in recreational activities.
“Penang’s commitment to fostering an inclusive urban landscape was internationally recognised when MBPP received accreditation from the World Health Organization’s Global Network for Age-Friendly Cities and Communities (WHO-GNAFCC) on July 28, 2023.
“This milestone highlights the city’s dedication to ensuring a high quality of life for residents across all age groups,” he said.
Rajendran further mentioned that Taman Jajar Sungai Ara is also notable as the first model park to implement the Gender Responsive and Participatory Budgeting (GRPB) approach.
“This initiative encourages community involvement in the planning and development of infrastructure that meets the diverse needs of society.
“To enhance accessibility and safety, the park is equipped with age-friendly amenities, including jogging paths, outdoor exercise equipment, stage, floodlights, benches with backrest, automated external defibrillators (AED), closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras, ramps and wheelchair-friendly walkways, gazebos, parking spaces and a community garden, maintained by local residents,” he added.
The engagement session also featured a variety of activities aimed at promoting a healthy and active lifestyle for senior citizens, such as aerobic exercise sessions, AED device usage demonstrations, communal clean-ups, free health screenings, tree planting initiatives and a robotics exhibition by school students.
Rajendran hopes that the age-friendly city initiative will continue to grow, contributing to a healthier and more active lifestyle for senior citizens in Penang.
During the event, Rajendran also expressed his gratitude to all parties involved in making the program a success.
He also acknowledged Hospital Pantai Bayan Baru for generously donating three AED devices to the park, further enhancing safety measures for visitors.
“With continuous efforts and strong community participation, Penang is well on its way to becoming a model age-friendly city, ensuring a vibrant and inclusive environment for all generations,” he concluded.
Also present were Bayan Lepas assemblyman Azrul Mahathir Aziz, MBPP secretary Cheong Chee Hong and Penang Women’s Development Corporation (PWDC) chief executive officer Datuk Ong Bee Leng.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix courtesy of MBPP