THE Penang Goes Orange (PGO) campaign, now in its 11th year, reaffirms the Penang government’s unwavering commitment to combating gender-based violence and promoting a safer, more inclusive environment.
Scheduled from Nov 25 to Dec 10, this year’s campaign introduces a series of impactful activities to raise awareness about gender-based and online violence, targeting individuals across all age groups.
State Social Development, Welfare, and Non-Islamic Religious Affairs Committee chairman Lim Siew Khim emphasised the importance of addressing emerging challenges in the digital space.
“This year, the PGO 2024 adopts the theme ‘#Swipe2Stop’, focusing on curbing online sexual violence, particularly among youths,” she said during a recent press conference.
Lim outlined key objectives, including educating the public about their legal rights, reporting mechanisms, psychosocial support, and preventive measures.
“By working together, we can foster a safer, more respectful, and inclusive digital space, helping to reduce the prevalence of online sexual violence.
“It is crucial to remind victims that they are not at fault—perpetrators are solely responsible,” she added.
Lim also urged victims to seek help from trusted individuals, including parents, teachers, counsellors, or friends, to ensure they do not face their struggles alone.
The official launch of PGO2024 will take place on Dec 7 at 9am at UiTM Permatang Pauh, with an anticipated turnout of around 1,000 participants from various higher learning institutions.
Prominent stakeholders, including non-governmental organisations (NGOs), youths aged 18 to 35, and representatives from law enforcement and advocacy groups, will join the event.
Apart from that, a forum will be held to discuss ways to combat online violence, featuring a panel with representatives from the police, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), and the Women’s Centre for Change (WCC).
Other activities include an ‘AR Orange Challenge’ or the ‘Augmented Reality Digital Explorace’ will be held from 2pm to 5pm.
The PGO2024 is a 16-day campaign that will be implemented through its ‘Orange Week’ series at the community level, involving a total of 40 strategic partners.
Meanwhile, Penang Youth, Sports and Health Committee chairman Daniel Gooi Zi Sen shared that the Penang Youth Development Corporation (PYDC) conducted a survey on ‘online sexual violence’ to better understand the issue.
“This survey allows us to analyse social media behaviours and identify the most affected groups. With this data, we can implement targeted interventions to protect mental health and well-being,” he explained.
Gooi encouraged youths to stand up against cyberbullying and sexual violence, ensuring that no one feels silenced or powerless.
Penang Women’s Development Corporation chief executive officer Datuk Ong Bee Leng revealed that the survey received 700 responses over a three-month period.
“The Penang Institute is currently finalising the analysis, and the findings will be unveiled during the PGO2024 opening ceremony,” Ong said.
Also present were State Local Government, Town and Country Planning Committee chairman Jason H’ng Mooi Lye and Seri Delima assemblyman Connie Tan.
It is learned that the Komtar, Penang City Hall, and Seberang Perai City Council buildings will be lit up in ‘orange’ as part of a campaign to show solidarity.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Kevin Vimal