PETALING JAYA, April 13 — The Petaling Jaya City Council’s (MBPJ) children councillors play an important role in presenting fresh perspectives for urban development, which ensures the needs of the group they represent aren’t sidelined.
Petaling Jaya Child Council (PJCC) 2024/2025 alumna Nurul Irdina Abdul Rahman, 17, said it is a platform for kids to voice their views directly to MBPJ.
She said many children’s needs that adults aren’t often aware of can be centred during council meetings.
“Our role is to bring children’s voices to MBPJ so urban planning can be seen from a more inclusive and comprehensive angle,” she added.
Meanwhile, Lenin, 19, also PJCC alumnus, said involvement in the council gives youth early exposure to the realities of community planning and development, and allows them to gain experiences that lead to better solutions in the future.
“This initiative not only gives us space to voice (our views), but also to brush up our communication skills, critical thinking, and confidence,” he added.
He also said the programme should continue as it shapes a younger generation that cares more for its community, in addition to impacting urban development.
Lenin explained that the initiative proves children’s voices add value to urban planning, especially in creating a more inclusive environment for all segments of society.
MBPJ has appointed 30 children councillors to PJCC 2026/2027 to uplift the group’s voice in urban planning and management.
Petaling Jaya Mayor Dato’ Mohamad Zahri Samingon said this includes three kids from the Special Education Integration Programme, which shows the local authority cares about the needs of people with special needs.
Zahri added that those appointed to PJCC are equipped with knowledge on leadership management and how to run programmes.
