THE Penang government, through the state Social Development and Non-Islamic Religious Affairs Committee, is welcoming non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in Penang which are actively promoting social development to apply for a grant under the Penang Social Development and Non-Islamic Religious Affairs Office.
Penang Social Development and Non-Islamic Religious Affairs Committee chairman Chong Eng said the organisation could receive up to a maximum of RM5,000 grant, depending on its portfolio, activities, programmes conducted, and others.
“The organisation must be actively organising and promoting social development to be eligible for the grant.
“Some examples of social development programmes are active ageing programmes to promote a healthy lifestyle; parenting and childcare programmes; emotional and mental health development programmes; and anti-violence against women and children awareness programmes,” she told a media conference in Komtar today.
Chong Eng said the applicants could contact her office at 04-650 5143 (during office hours) to learn more about the grant.
“The applicant will need to submit supporting documents, such as paperwork, a registration certificate from the Registry of Societies Malaysia (ROS), a copy of the latest bank account statement (three months), and an annual statement confirmation slip, to my office to apply for the grant.
“The paperwork must include the background of the NGO, the list of activities, objectives and backgrounds of the programmes, and the list of expenses incurred,” she said.
Chong Eng said the Penang government appreciated the efforts of the NGOs and therefore would like to assist them through the grant.
“The state truly appreciates the sacrifices and efforts of the NGOs. Moving forward, we hope to become strategic partners of NGOs in implementing social activities and programmes in Penang.
“We are grateful to have many NGOs which are committed and dedicated to carrying out community works in Penang.
“We have several other grants which these organisations can apply to ease their burden,” she said.
Bukit Tambun assemblyman Goh Choon Aik, who is also the state Social Development and Non-Islamic Religious Affairs Committee member, said the social development scope is very wide.
“The social development portfolio encompasses newborn to senior citizens, and it is not just about welfare. It includes the well-being and development of the whole society,” he said.
Commenting about the Penang2030 vision of ‘A Family-Focused Green and Smart State that Inspires the Nation’, Chong Eng said the state government strived to work towards the state’s vision.
“We can achieve a more ‘wholesome development’ in Penang when we focus on family. In Penang, we work hard to realise our vision. Our vision is not just a slogan,” she added.
Story by Christopher Tan
Pix by Siew Chia En