PENANG once again made it to the Malaysia Book of Records (MBOR) after some 10,000 Zumba dancers thronged the Midtown Perda commercial centre in Tasek Gelugor to celebrate this year’s International Women’s Day (IWD).
The event was organised by the Penang Women’s Development Corporation (PWDC) and it has achieved the status of holding the ‘largest participation of Zumba dance in the country’.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow received the award from MBR record consultant officer, Siti Nurhanim Mohd Noh during the ceremony today.
This year’s theme for the IWD, which is celebrated globally on March 8, is #EmbraceEquity.
The participants, clad in purple jerseys, were seen gathering with enthusiasm as early as 7am.
Chow congratulated the PWDC for successfully gathering 10,000 Zumba dancers to celebrate the state-level IWD celebrations.
“The Penang government, through the PWDC has been organising the state-level IWD celebrations for the past 11 years already.
“And this is by far, the biggest attendance that we have seen so far.
“After all, the IWD is celebrated annually to commemorate women for their sacrifices and contributions to the family, community, state, country and even globally,” Chow said in his speech during the programme today.
Also present were State Secretary Datuk Mohd Sayuthi Bakar, Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Ahmad Zakiyuddin Abdul Rahman, state Entrepreneurial Development, Trade and Industry Committee chairman Datuk Abdul Halim Hussain, state Social Development and Non-Islamic Religious Affairs Committee chairman Chong Eng, PWDC chief executive officer Ong Bee Leng, Penang State Sports Council (MSNPP) director Harry Chai Heng Hua and Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) mayor Datuk Azhar Arshad.
Chow also reiterated the state government’s commitment to continuing to provide support in various aspects for women, especially in terms of facilities and a holistic policy as a strategy to ensure that this special group continues to be protected, guided and loved by all.
“This also includes children, teenage girls, wives, single mothers and senior citizens as well.
“All of you are important and meaningful for the development of the family and this beloved state,” Chow said.
According to Chow, the state government also remains committed to providing equal access to everyone in terms of gender equality.
“This is proven by various policies that have been implemented by the Penang government to promote gender equality.
“Such policies are important because the Penang government sees gender equality as an essential element for economies and communities to thrive.
“After all, a world which practises gender equality can be healthier, wealthier and more harmonious.
“Thus, the state government itself has taken various initiatives, such as launching the Gender Inclusiveness Policy in 2019.
“This shows how committed we are to promoting gender equality,” Chow added.
Chow also added that as of December last year, all 40 JPWKs (Women and Family Development Committee) have managed to successfully organise a total of 605 programmes for the development of the community and women in each constituency.
“Such programmes are not only in line with the Penang2030 vision of ‘A Family-Focused Green and Smart State that Inspires the Nation’, but it is also a platform to empower women and the community,” he said.
Meanwhile, Chong Eng said the two-day IWD celebrations also featured other programmes and activities.
“Among the programmes and activities are free motorcycle service session, interactive workshops, chess and carom tournaments, drawing and colouring contests, Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (Fama) direct-from-farm programme and many others.
“Thus, I would like to urge the public to come here today and tomorrow to support this event,” she said.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Darwina Mohd Daud
Video by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis