Penang Island Signs MoU with UNICEF to Become Malaysia’s Next Child-Friendly City

Georgetown, Penang, 13th February 2025 – The Penang Island City Council (MBPP) and UNICEF Malaysia have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to launch the Child Friendly Cities Initiative (CFCI) on Penang Island. This landmark partnership will transform Penang into a city where every child can grow, learn, and play safely and inclusively, marking a significant step toward embedding children’s rights into urban development.

The CFCI, led globally by UNICEF, supports local governments in upholding children's rights under the United Nations’ Convention on the Rights of the Child. Penang City’s commitment reflects a broader vision of creating an environment that prioritizes children’s well-being, participation, and protection.

Dato’ Ir. Rajendran P. Anthony, Mayor of Penang Island, emphasized the significance of this partnership: "It is crucial that future development and planning in Penang take into account the needs and interests of children, ensuring that they are not left behind but instead contribute to the state's progress and prosperity."

The Child-Friendly Cities Initiative focuses on three key areas:

• Raising awareness of children’s rights among both children and adults.
• Promoting meaningful child participation in urban planning and policymaking through Child Councils and other mechanisms.
• Creating safe, inclusive environments by designing parks, playgrounds, and public transport systems that are accessible to all children, including those with disabilities.

Dato’ Ir. Rajendran P. Anthony further highlighted Penang's dedication to children's welfare: "The City Council of Penang Island has never neglected children's welfare in infrastructure planning. We ensure that development plans include provisions for open spaces and playgrounds, and we actively organize community programs involving children to instill positive values in young minds."

With 22.5% of Penang’s population (405,400 people) under 18, investing in child-focused urban planning is critical. Rising air pollution and urban heat further underline the urgency of sustainable, child-centered solutions.

Ms. Sanja Saranovic, Deputy Representative of UNICEF Malaysia, reinforced the importance of child participation: "A truly child-friendly city sees children not just as recipients of care but as individuals with rights, voices, and aspirations. Empowering them to participate in shaping their city is essential to building an inclusive, just society."

To accommodate the needs of children and families, the City Council has established guidelines for child-related infrastructure. These guidelines oversee the conversion of residential buildings into kindergartens, childcare centers, and elderly care facilities, ensuring that these spaces meet safety and comfort standards.

Recognizing the importance of recreation and play, the City Council has allocated 161 playgrounds and designated 357 open spaces for children's sports and recreational activities. These efforts aim to provide safe and engaging outdoor spaces where children can play, socialize, and develop essential physical skills.

To ensure children's safety, the City Council has implemented several measures around schools. A total of 32 school crossing patrols have been stationed at selected schools to facilitate safe road crossings. Additionally, pedestrian walkways near schools are being upgraded, and new bus stops are being constructed to provide students with safer and more comfortable commuting options. To further address traffic congestion in school zones, a dedicated Traffic Committee has been established to assess and implement effective solutions.

Ms. Sanja Saranovic, Deputy Representative of UNICEF Malaysia, emphasized the importance of this initiative in her speech: "A truly child-friendly city recognizes children as individuals with rights, agency, and aspirations—not just passive recipients of care. When we equip them with this knowledge, we empower them to help build a just world, free from discrimination and exclusion."

This MoU marks the beginning of Penang Island’s journey to be recognized as the second child friendly city in the in Peninsular Malaysia, after Petaling Jaya, joining a global network of over 3,000 cities.

As part of the initiative, the Penang Island City Council, with UNICEF’s support, will conduct a situational analysis to assess the current conditions for children. Based on these findings, the city will develop an action plan outlining specific steps to enhance child-friendly policies, infrastructure, and programs.

Penang will receive formal recognition as a Child-Friendly City upon the successful implementation of its action plan, joining over 3,000 cities globally committed to upholding children’s rights in urban governance.

Ms. Sanja Saranovic, Deputy Representative of UNICEF Malaysia, added: "UNICEF is proud to support Penang Island in this transformative journey. By aligning local governance with global child-rights standards, we are not just shaping better cities—we are building stronger, more inclusive communities where children are empowered to lead, thrive, and shape their future."

UNICEF Malaysia remains committed to providing ongoing support and expertise to ensure that Penang’s vision for a child-friendly future translates into tangible benefits for every child.

Note to Editor

About MBPP
Majlis Bandaraya Pulau Pinang (MBPP) is the local authority responsible for administering the city of George Town, Pulau Pinang. Operating under the jurisdiction of the Penang State Government, MBPP oversees various municipal functions to ensure the well-being of residents and the sustainable development of the city.

Its responsibilities include public health and sanitation, waste management and disposal, urban planning, environmental protection and control, economic and social development, and the general maintenance of urban infrastructure. Additionally, MBPP plays a crucial role in heritage conservation, given George Town's status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

The council also works towards promoting sustainable urban growth, enhancing public transportation, and fostering a cleaner, greener city for its residents.