Revitalising ageing neighbourhoods and bridging the gap between local authorities and the youth are top of the agenda for new city councillors in Penang.
Among the fresh faces sworn in at Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) are K. Yoganraj Thever, 40, who aims to breathe new life into areas facing population decline.
Drawing from a decade of experience in the Bukit Mertajam parliamentary constituency, Yoganraj said he planned to focus on improving liveability to stem the urban exodus.
“I want to attract residents, especially young people, by improving infrastructure, facilities and public spaces based on actual needs,” he said.
Joining him on the mainland is fellow DAP member Linda Ng Kerh Wei, 28.
The company manager and Penang DAP Socialist Youth member said her priorities laid in welfare, a passion sparked by her volunteer experience work with Social Security Organisation.
“I have seen the challenges faced by vulnerable groups and I want to help where I can,” Ng said, adding that her familiarity with the grassroots works in her favour.
The duo were among the 23 councillors who took their oaths at MBSP headquarters in Bandar Perda last week.
Barisan Nasional appointee Datuk Mohd Zaidi Said was sworn in separately on Jan 2.
The new lineup also saw the departure of several veterans, including Bernard Cheen Goon Hooi, who served for seven years.
Across the channel, Penang Island City Council (MBPP) welcomed seven new faces to its 24-member lineup.
One newcomer is Foo Yu Keong, 42, a company director with more than 10 years’ experience in the tourism sector.
Foo hopes to help make George Town more attractive for younger residents while bolstering tourism-driven economic activity.
Meanwhile, PKR appointee Muhammad Adzlan Adzhar, 38, said he wanted to act as a bridge between residents and the city council, particularly on local business and regulatory issues.
Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who attended both ceremonies, said the local councils must prioritise upgrading public facilities and infrastructure.
On the mainland, Chow said councillors were expected to ensure the smooth implementation of development and traffic dispersal plans, including projects announced under Federal Budget 2026.
State local government, town and country planning committee chairman Jason H’ng Mooi Lye said the appointments balanced continuity and renewal, with councillors playing a key role in linking residents with local authorities.
Both Penang island mayor Datuk A. Rajendran and Seberang Perai mayor Baderul Amin Abdul Hamid expressed confidence in their new lineup, urging councillors to work collectively to tackle urban challenges, including traffic management, cleanliness, digitalisation and community well-being.
