MBPJ Expands Orphan-Friendly City Initiative to Strengthen Community Welfare in Petaling Jaya
PETALING JAYA, March 13 — The Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) is strengthening its efforts to transform the city into an orphan-friendly urban community by introducing several initiatives focused on improving social welfare and expanding the local care economy.
Petaling Jaya mayor Datuk Mohamad Zahri Samingon said the initiative forms part of a broader strategy aimed at ensuring the well-being of residents, particularly vulnerable groups such as children, senior citizens and families facing economic hardship.
According to him, MBPJ has developed several action plans designed to reinforce social support systems and improve caregiving services within the city.
Three Key Pillars for Community Development
Mohamad Zahri explained that the council has identified three major pillars to guide its social development strategy.
These include the development of the care economy, the implementation of child-friendly city initiatives and the strengthening of support systems for the elderly population.
The care economy concept focuses on sectors that provide services related to caregiving, including childcare and elderly care.
Through this approach, MBPJ aims to expand access to facilities and advisory services that help families manage caregiving responsibilities more effectively.
Regularisation of Care Facilities
In addition to these initiatives, MBPJ plans to undertake a regularisation programme for care centres operating within Petaling Jaya.
The move is intended to ensure that these centres operate in a structured manner and comply with established guidelines and regulations.
Mohamad Zahri noted that the number of care centres has increased significantly in recent years, making it necessary for the council to introduce better monitoring and regulation.
The regularisation process will help ensure that residents of these facilities receive proper care while maintaining high operational standards.
Responding to an Ageing Population
The mayor said the initiative also reflects demographic changes taking place within the city.
Petaling Jaya has seen a steady rise in its elderly population, which increases the demand for organised caregiving services.
Currently, approximately 12 per cent of Petaling Jaya’s population, estimated at around 800,000 residents, consists of senior citizens.
This demographic shift highlights the need for more comprehensive facilities and support services to meet the needs of an ageing community.
Aidilfitri Assistance for Those in Need
Earlier at the same event, MBPJ distributed Aidilfitri financial assistance as part of its community welfare programme.
A total of RM60,000 was allocated to support 150 orphans and 100 underprivileged families in the city.
The contribution is expected to ease financial burdens and help bring festive joy to families in need ahead of the Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebrations.
Through these initiatives, MBPJ hopes Petaling Jaya will continue to grow as a city that not only prioritises physical development but also places strong emphasis on social well-being and community care.
The council believes that a progressive city must also be compassionate and inclusive, ensuring that every segment of society receives the support needed to thrive.
-wilayah.com.my
