Penang single mum project ventures exceed sales target

Ong (centre) with recipients of the tokens of appreciation at the event.

Penang is working to close the gender equality gap through targeted programmes supporting women.

Penang social development, welfare and non-Islamic affairs committee chairman Lim Siew Khim said the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report 2025 estimate that it could take another 123 years to achieve full gender equality, should serve as a wake-up call.

“This is a signal for the government, private sector, NGOs and civil society to work together and act now,” she said at the state-level International Women’s Day celebration at Menara Bandaraya in Bukit Mertajam.

Toh Puan Raja Noora Ashikin Raja Abdullah visiting exhibition booth after launching the state-level Women’s Day celebration at Menara Bandaraya, Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) in Bukit Mertajam. (March 31, 2026) — ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star.

She said the celebration was not merely symbolic but a platform to strengthen commitments towards recognising women’s achievements, advancing gender equality and breaking down persistent barriers.

As part of these efforts, Lim said #BizIbuTunggal project initiatives had generated RM144,274.50 in sales, exceeding the RM100,000 target and benefitting single mothers.

“We want single mothers to grow their economic potential,” she said.

Rukhsana Banu Wahid,56 showing the handmade crochet handbag at their exhibition booth during the state-level Women’s Day celebration at Menara Bandaraya, Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) in Bukit Mertajam. (March 31, 2026) — ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star.

At the community level, a project by the Batu Lancang Women and Family Development Committee (JPWK) saw three single mothers produce food and handmade items for sale, including egg sandwiches, semperit biscuits and towel crafts.

The items were distributed to residents at The Penang Home in Jalan Masjid Negeri and the Naam Nur­sing Home in Jalan Pinhorn in conjunction with International Women’s Day and Hari Raya Aidilfitri.

(From right) Raja Noora Ashikin, Tan, Lim, Baderul Amin and Ong during the launch of the state-level Women’s Day celebration at Menara Bandaraya in Bukit Mertajam.(Below) Bags made of recycled materials on display at one of the booths.— Photos: ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star

JPWK representative Christine Low said the initiative connected single mothers with income opportunities based on their skills, such as food preparation and cleaning services.

“We don’t take a single sen. We just act as the go-between to help them earn and promote their products,” she said, adding that some participants had also received repeat orders.

Recycle beg displayed at one of the booth during the launch of the state-level Women's Day celebration at Menara Bandaraya in Bukit Mertajam. . (March 31, 2026) — ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star.

Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) mayor Datuk Baderul Amin Abdul Hamid said MBSP continued to improve safety and accessibility for women, including upgrading lighting in high-risk areas and expanding disability-friendly pathways.

The event was officiated by Toh Puan Raja Noora Ashikin Raja Abdullah, wife of Penang Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Ramli Ngah Talib.

Tokens of appreciation were presented to the top three JPWK members who generated the highest income, with the highest reaching RM19,000, and single-mother entrepreneurs for their outstanding products.

Also present were Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow’s wife Tan Lean Kee, MBSP mayor’s wife Datin Noraishah Hashim and Penang Women’s Development Corporation chief executive officer Datuk Ong Bee Leng.