THE Penang government, through the Penang Women’s Development Corporation (PWDC), will organise more awareness programmes to combat domestic violence in the state.
Penang Social Development, Welfare and Non-Islamic Religious Affairs Committee chairman Lim Siew Khim said the awareness programmes will serve as an early intervention at the grassroots level.
“PWDC also plans to hold Training of Trainers (ToT) sessions to equip community members with the skills necessary to deal effectively with domestic violence cases.
“As part of this initiative, the state government also plans to provide a shelter to help victims of domestic violence.
“This shelter is very important as a place that provides safety, support, resources, counselling services and legal support for individuals who need it,” Lim (PH-Sungai Pinang) told the State Legislative Assembly during her winding-up speech at the State Assembly Building in Light Street yesterday.
In a related development, Lim also announced that an elderly care centre under the Social Welfare Department will be opened in Nibong Tebal next year.
“The centre can accommodate up to 120 senior citizens.
“At the same time, the state government through the Social Welfare Department will consider establishing elderly care centres in Balik Pulau and Batu Kawan.
“After all, it is our responsibility as the state government to prioritise the welfare of the people, especially for the elderly by providing suitable facilities for them such as elderly care centres,” she said.
Lim added that currently there are seven elderly care centres managed by non-governmental organisations (NGOs) that provide free services in Penang.
“There are the Penang Buddhist Association Senior Citizen’s Homes Care Centre, Little Sisters of The Poor, Rumah Orang Tua Uzur Pulau Pinang, Rumah Orang Tua Jubli Perak, Rumah Sejahtera Permatang Tinggi, Pusat Jagaan Rumah Sejahtera Bertam and Badan Kebajikan Rumah Warga Emas Darul Hanan,” said Lim.
Story by Riadz Akmal