PETALING JAYA, April 9 — The Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) is committed to ensuring senior citizens’ well-being through the Petaling Jaya Care Economy Action Plan 2025-2030, which covers the five cores of health, economy, social security, education, and environment.
Petaling Jaya Mayor Dato’ Mohamad Zahri Samingon said the plan has not only improved older folks’ quality of life, but empowered professional caregivers with better skills through training with Universiti Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC).
“MBPJ has committed to strengthening the senior citizen care system by providing professional training with UMMC through the Petaling Jaya Senior Citizen Care Workshop 2025 that was held on October 23.
“The increase in percentage of senior citizens aged 65 and above from 7.5 per cent in 2020 to 12.6 per cent in 2025 demands a friendlier urban environment more conducive to ensuring this group stays active and well,” he said when sharing updates on the plan at his office in Menara MBPJ on March 11.
Zahri added that MBPJ provides public transport services that help facilitate the mobility of senior citizens and people with disabilities (OKU), such as PJ City Bus and transit vans with universal design principles for safer, more comfortable travel.
He also said 23 town centres have been upgraded with special exercise equipment and elderly-friendly facilities, such as in Taman Aman, which provides for a more inclusive environment.
“MBPJ also provides free health checkups and avails 67 senior citizen care centres and old folks’ homes to fulfil the group’s needs.
“MBPJ emphasises adherence to universal design in every development project and provides special parking lots for senior citizens to ensure their comfort and accessibility,” he added.
He asserted that the plan aims to foster community awareness on the importance of caring for the elderly and building a sustainable care ecosystem.
Zahri expressed hope that the Petaling Jaya Care Economy Action Plan 2025-2030 becomes a pioneering model for other local councils, in line with MBPJ’s aspiration to make the city an exemplary smart city that is elderly- and OKU-friendly.
