Mohamad Zahri speaking to the newly appointed as well as former Petaling Jaya child councillors during a ceremony in Kuala Lumpur.
AT JUST 16, Ruplynn Kaur Raminder Singh is ready to make her voice heard as she takes on her new role as president of Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) child councillors.
She was among the 30 who were appointed for the 2026–2027 term during a ceremony at a Kuala Lumpur hotel.
“I am excited to be part of this. We have learned how to use our voices,” said the SMK (P) Sri Aman student.
Another newly appointed child councillor, Muzaffar Mohd Izhan, 14, said it had always been his dream to speak in front of important figures such as Petaling Jaya mayor Datuk Mohamad Zahri Samingon.
“I want to build my leadership skills. I hope this is a good platform,” said the SMK Damansara Jaya student.
Jashannaa Sasidharan, 14, also from SMK (P) Sri Aman, said she was looking forward to expanding her knowledge, making new friends and most importantly, learning to work as a team.
“I would like to share my views on enhanced safety for children as well as more child-centric facilities.”
The event was also attended by former child councillors.
One of them, Muhamad Raid Altimis Mohd Sunny, 18, said, “I think I am a better student now compared to before.”
He valued the opportunity to participate in the Petaling Jaya International Youth event last year.
Parent M. Jegateeswary said her daughter, T. Tharanah, 17, a former child councillor, enjoyed her term, too.
“She even had the opportunity to share her thoughts with the Economy Ministry during one of the activities.”
Another parent, Ismaida Zamri Ismail, welcomed programmes such as child councillors, saying they helped nurture future leaders.
He said the country needed strong leaders and this could be achieved through a younger generation with strong ethics.
He commended MBPJ for setting a good example by being inclusive.
Mohamad Zahri said MBPJ was committed to building a city where every child can live, learn, play and thrive in a safe, inclusive and supportive environment, in line with Unicef’s Child Friendly Cities Initiative (CFCI).
“MBPJ adopts a holistic approach that places children’s rights at the heart of planning and governance.
“This initiative ensures that children – regardless of background, ability and socio-economic status – are given the opportunity to participate, express their views and enjoy equitable access to services, facilities and meaningful urban experiences.”
He said children’s voices matter.
“Through strategic collaboration with schools, communities, non-governmental organisations and the child council, MBPJ aims to ensure these voices are genuinely reflected in city policies and development plans.”
This year, MBPJ received 106 applications for the child councillor programme for those aged 11 to 17, with 12 boys and 18 girls, children with disabilities and those from the Orang Asli community selected.
The MBPJ CFCI aims to strengthen child rights in urban governance, improve access to quality services, create safe, playful and healthy urban environments, foster child participation and empowerment, and build a supportive ecosystem.
