PENANG has achieved 85% overall progress in implementing programmes and projects under the Age-Friendly City Penang Island (AFCPI) Strategic Action Plan as of the end of 2025.
State social development, welfare and non-Islamic affairs committee chairman Lim Siew Khim said the progress was measured based on the framework by the World Health Organisation (WHO), which covers eight key domains aimed at creating a more inclusive and accessible city for the elderly.
“As of the end of last year, the overall quantitative progress, including key performance indicators (KPIs) and achievements under the AFC framework by WHO, stands at 85% for programmes and projects under the plan.
“Based on progress reports by Penang Island City Council (MBPP), there have been significant achievements recorded across the eight domains,” she said during the Penang State Assembly sitting at Lebuh Light, George Town.
Lim was responding to a written question by Heng Lee Lee (PH-Berapit) on the progress and KPI achievements of the Age-Friendly City initiative, of which the Penang Women’s Development Corporation (PWDC) has been coordinator since 2022.
Heng wanted updates on the role of PWDC in ensuring accountability and action to be taken against the implementing party if targets were not met.
On the breakdown, Lim said the first domain − covering outdoor spaces and buildings − had recorded 89.3% progress through upgrades to parks and public spaces to make them accessible to senior citizens.
“For the second domain −encompassing transport − we have achieved 88.6% progress including improvements to the fleet of buses and the provision of transport subsidies for senior citizens and the disabled community.
“The third domain, involving housing, has reached 100% through improvements to safety and facilities in public housing areas.
“The fourth domain, involving social participation, has reached 100% as well, as a result of the implementation of various community programmes and workshops that are inclusive across all levels of society,” she added.
Lim said the fifth domain, covering respect and social inclusion, was at 65.7% with efforts made to establish senior citizen centres and the development of more inclusive guidelines.
“The sixth domain of civic participation and employment is at 70% through the provision of job opportunities and volunteering opportunities for senior citizens.
“The seventh domain, covering communication and information, is at 62.9% through efforts to modernise MBPP’s communication channels to make them accessible to all age groups,” she elaborated.
Lim said the eighth domain for community support and health services had achieved its goal of 100% through the implementation of comprehensive community health and safety programmes.
She said the state had been recognised by WHO for the “Completion of Cycle One” under the AFC initiative, making MBPP the first local authority in Malaysia to achieve this status.
“PWDC continues to play a key coordination role to ensure accountability and ongoing improvements are carried out through this initiative by working closely with MBPP.
“The organisation conducts periodic monitoring and evaluation of each domain and identifies implementation gaps in detail.
“The identified gaps and weaknesses will be discussed with the implementing agencies to be improved as well as prioritised for inclusion in Cycle Two of the Strategic Action Plan,” said Lim.
