PETALING JAYA, April 14 — A kopitiam in Petaling Jaya marked an achievement for the history books after being recognised by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) as a child-friendly eatery.
The achievement helps the city uplift the concept of a family-friendly, inclusive community space, in line with Petaling Jaya’s aspiration towards a child-friendly city.
Restaurant Meng Yang Two owner Gan Kar Yan, 39, said the eatery opened in November 2013, and in 2024, it moved to provide a safe, comfortable and peaceful environment for families, where parents get to enjoy their meals while children have fun in a special play area.
“Safety was our priority in designing the restaurant, including with the installation of several CCTVs in the play area, to let parents monitor their kids,” he told Media Selangor.
Gan also said the restaurant provides a quiet room especially for children with special needs or neurodivergence to reduce the risk of overstimulation. Some neurodivergent conditions are ADHD, autism, dyslexia, and sensory issues.
Other facilities at the restaurant include a nursing room.
He pointed out decorations like drawings on the walls, which were done in collaboration with the Petaling Jaya Child’s Council (PJCC), with Gan saying the children’s perspectives and ideas greatly influenced his design choices.
