THE Pusat Pemulihan Dalam Komuniti (PPDK) Teluk Bahang has been a pillar of support for people with disabilities in the community, offering rehabilitation and skill development programmes.
However, the centre faces challenges due to limited space and increasing rental costs.
During her visit on March 25, state Social Development, Welfare, and Non-Islamic Religious Affair Committee chairman Lim Siew Khim pledged to assist PPDK Teluk Bahang in finding a more suitable location to ensure the continuity of its programmes.
“I understand the difficulties faced by PPDK Teluk Bahang, especially with space constraints and rising rental costs.
“The state government will work closely with the relevant agencies to explore possible solutions so that these trainees can continue receiving the rehabilitation and training they need,” Lim said.
Currently, the centre operates from a double-storey terrace house rented for RM3,000 per month.
However, with the previous rental hike to RM3,700 and the growing number of trainees, the centre urgently requires a better facility to accommodate its activities.
Over the years, the centre has achieved notable success, with six trainees successfully enrolling in the Program Pendidikan Khas Integrasi (PPKI) and four securing employment outside the centre.
Additionally, PPDK Teluk Bahang established the PPDK Nursery, which sells hydroponic vegetables, seedlings, and agricultural tools, while also conducting agricultural workshops to train trainees in hydroponic farming and promote the 3T Concept (Tanam, Tinggal, Tuai – Plant, Leave, Harvest).
During the visit, Lim presented aid to the centre, including daily essentials and a festive hamper.
She also distributed ‘Duit Raya’ to 35 trainees and seven staff members, bringing festive joy ahead of Hari Raya Aidilfitri.
Also present were the Special Coordinator to the Chief Minister (Balik Pulau) Gooi Seong Kin, Southwest District Social Welfare Officer Tham Weng Keat, Teluk Bahang Constituency Coordinating Officer Ahmad Zaki Shah Bin Shah Headan, Teluk Bahang PPDK chairman Zuki Hasan, Buddhist Tzu-Chi Merits Society Malaysia commissioner Datuk Khoo Boo Leong, Penang Island City Council (MBPP) councillor Ooi Mei Mei and local Village Community Management Council (MPKK) representatives.
Photos taken at the event:-
Story by Lim Min Jun
Pix by Siti Nuratikah Rahmat