ACCOUNTANT Chang Kim Joo has set her sights on enhancing social well-being and cultural initiatives as Seberang Perai City councillor for the 2026 term.
The 40-year-old who is from non-governmental organisation Penang Chinese Town Hall (PCTH), said it would mark a milestone for the organisation, bringing recognition and responsibility.
“This is the first time someone from PCTH will be serving as a councillor,” she said when met at a press conference in Komtar announcing the 2026 lineup of councillors for Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) and Penang Island City Council (MBPP).
“I will be highlighting the needs of the community and ensure the grassroots are heard,” said Chang.
“I hope to support initiatives related to community welfare, education, cultural heritage and inclusive urban development.”
She looks forward to working with fellow councillors to shape sustainable, people-centred and progressive policies.
“My goal is to contribute meaningfully and responsibly so that development in Seberang Perai benefits all segments of society,” Chang added.
Muhammad Adzlan Adzhar, 38, who will become a MBPP councillor, has pledged to focus on public service and problem-solving.
Serving under the PKR banner, the project manager said one of his priorities would be helping small business operators better understand licensing requirements and finding solutions to regularise operations.
“I would like to help those who are running businesses without licences or who may not fully understand the need for one.
“I want there to be solutions for them and to help resolve their issues,” he said.
He also hopes to highlight residents’ social and safety issues.
A positive relationship between MBPP and the public is important, said Muhammad Adzlan.
“My aim is to serve the people and make the city council more approachable so that issues can be resolved in a constructive and transparent manner,” he added.
Penang local government, town and country planning committee chairman Jason H’ng announced the 48 appointments, including seven new faces in MBPP and eight in MBSP.
On the mainland, MBSP will have 10 nominees from DAP (Derick Chong, Heng Yeh Shiuan, C. Linggeswaran, Ngoh Cheng Hai, Ooi Yong Wooi, V. Ponnudurai, Teh Chuann Yien, Linda Ng, Tan Chee Teong and K. Yoganraj Thever), nine from PKR (Zainuddin Mohamed, Lim Eng Nam, Zulkifli Md Yusop, K. Predeeb Kumar, Lim Chee Chien, Yeoh Kim Kim, Hasrul Husin, Ahmad Rizal Abd Hamid and Anuar Yussoff), two from Amanah (Muhamad Suzuki Ahmad and Zulkiply Ishak), two from BN (Datuk Mohd Noor Ahmad and Datuk Mohd Zaidi Said) and one from an NGO (Chang).
The councillors will serve from Jan 1 to Dec 31, 2026.
H’ng expressed appreciation to the councillors who served during the 2025 term for their commitment and service.
“While some councillors were not reappointed, it does not mean their efforts are not recognised.
“The aim is to re-energise the local councils,” he added.
The swearing-in ceremonies will take place tomorrow.
MBSP’s swearing-in ceremony will be held at 9am at Dewan Kenanga, Menara Bandaraya on the mainland, while the MBPP ceremony will take place at 3pm at City Hall in Jalan Padang Kota Lama.
