By Danial Dzulkifly
PETALING JAYA, June 4 — The Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) has launched its Child-Friendly City Action Plan 2030, which focuses on developing child-friendly infrastructure and policies to support the city’s growing young population.
Mayor Mohamad Zahri Samingon said the strategy will complement the city’s recently launched Senior Citizens Action Plan 2030, which aims to prepare the city for Selangor’s transition into an aged state.
He said today’s action plan reflects the city’s commitment to incorporating the perspectives of young residents in its sustainable development efforts, aiming to create a more livable environment for children.
“This is our commitment to support the district’s growing child population by making it safer and more child-friendly, incorporating the voices of the youth in developing the city further.
“I hope with this action plan, our children can grow up in a safer environment, access basic amenities and spaces to play and learn, and have a platform for their voices to be heard,” he said at a press conference following the launch of the plan and the appointment of Petaling Jaya Child Council (PJCC) members for the 2024/2025 session.
[caption id="attachment_359199" align="aligncenter" width="1200"]
Petaling Jaya Mayor Mohamad Zahri Samingon speaks to the media after the launch of the Child-Friendly City Action Plan 2030 and appointment of the 2024/25 session Petaling Jaya City Council members at Dewan Sivik MBPJ in Selangor on June 4, 2024. — Picture by MOHD KHAIRUL HELMY MOHD DIN/SELANGORKINI[/caption]
The Child-Friendly City Action Plan 2030 is part of MBPJ’s broader development plan, which includes four focus areas — urban planning, child participation, climate change, and child welfare.
Zahri also said the city’s administration aims to prioritise the well-being and development of its younger residents, fostering an inclusive and nurturing community for future generations.
This is imperative, said Zahri, as official data from the Statistics Department showed 9.19 million out of 32.65 million, or 28.1 per cent of the population in Malaysia, are children, most of whom live in urban areas.
As for Petaling Jaya, by 2030, nearly 30 per cent (202,247) of the city’s population is expected to comprise children.
To enhance this initiative, Zahri said the city hopes the PJCC can help bring children’s voices to the fore.
“The platform aims to provide opportunities for children to participate in urban planning and management in Petaling Jaya. We want them to tell us what they wish for and how we can make the city safer for them.
“The appointment of PJCC members today encompasses all community levels, including Malay, Chinese, Indian, Orang Asli, the disabled, and B40 groups. This is to ensure equal opportunity for all children in Petaling Jaya and to promote inclusivity,’’ he said.
Earlier today, MBPJ appointed 30 new PJCC members aged between 10 and 17.
The PJCC convenes monthly to discuss improvements needed in their neighbourhoods, guided by MBPJ members.
Zahri said the council also provides training sessions and workshops for the PJCC to potentially help them become MBPJ members or community leaders.
