As part of a continued series of visits to Malaysian States, the WHO team visited Penang to meet healthcare professionals and government representatives to learn from successful local health practices and understand challenges faced by the State.
During this mission, WHO engaged with Penang’s health authorities, civil society and community leaders to explore how the State is advancing integrated healthcare and championing age-friendly initiatives. From digital health gaps and chronic disease management to wellness hubs and active ageing centres, the visit underscored both the challenges being addressed and the innovations shaping Penang’s journey toward a more inclusive, people-centred health system.
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WHO visits PAWE Jelutong in Penang, where older adults stay active, connected and engaged through community-led support Credit: WHO/Rohini Rajadorai
“Healthy ageing is not just about health services—it’s about community, independence and inclusivity of the elderly,” said Dr Rabindra Abeyasinghe, WHO Representative to Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam and Singapore.
The mission strengthened collaboration with Penang’s health authorities and civil society partners, highlighted innovative local solutions and potential support needed for the State's ongoing journey toward becoming a model for Age-Friendly Cities and Communities (AFCC) in Malaysia and beyond.
Ageing in action: Community at the core
With one of the highest rates of ageing in the country, Penang is one of the few Malaysian States formally engaged in the WHO AFCC Global Network. During a high-level dialogue, WHO met with YB Daniel Gooi Zi Sen, Executive Councillor (EXCO) for Youth, Sports and Health and YB Lim Siew Kim, Executive Councillor (EXCO) for Social Development and Welfare, both reaffirmed their support for public health and healthy ageing strategies.
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WHO met with Penang EXCOs to discuss healthy ageing and inclusive health systems under the AFCC framework
The State Health Department, led by Penang State Health Director Dr Fazilah Shaik Allaudin also shared ongoing initiatives and aspirations to build environments that enable people to age well—from health facilities to public spaces.
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Insightful discussions with the Penang State Health team
The visit to Pusat Aktiviti Warga Emas (PAWE) Jelutong, a Senior Citizen Activity Centre, offered a powerful example of healthy ageing in action. Run in collaboration with the Penang Island City Council (MBPP), Rose Charities and the Penang Women’s Development Corporation, the centre supports older adults in staying active, connected and engaged.
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PAWE Jelutong exemplifies ageing in action—where older adults stay connected and engaged through care, purpose and community
“This is our second home. We’re not just passing time—we’re learning, moving and making new friends,” shared a regular visitor at PAWE.
Care for all stages of life
At health facilities like the Jalan Perak Health Complex, Kepala Batas Hospital and the Sg Burung Community Clinic, the WHO team observed services supporting older adults through rehabilitation, chronic disease management and antenatal care.
In Seberang Perai Utara, the team visited a Wellness Hub run by the Health Promotion Branch, offering preventive services like smoking cessation, nutrition counselling and creative arts therapy. One flagship programme—I-Fit-and-Eat-Right (IFitEr)—helps adults manage weight through structured behaviour change and lifestyle modification. Some 56.5% of adults in Penang are overweight or obese, this rate exceeds the already worrying national average, which makes such programmes important.
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Community members take part in structured lifestyle programmes at the Wellness Hub, supporting healthier living through fitness, nutrition and behavioural change
Such initiatives not only prevent and delay decline in older age but promote autonomy and improve quality of life.
The mission concluded with a meeting with the Penang Family Health Development Association a civil society partner delivering HIV and sexual and reproductive health services. Their inclusive approach—serving both citizens and non-citizens—highlights the importance of universal access across age, identity and background.
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Health check-ups that promote healthy ageing and community well-being
As Malaysia’s population ages, Penang is demonstrating what it means to grow older with dignity, support and purpose in an inclusive environment. Through strong partnerships, innovative community programmes and a clear commitment to inclusion, the State is paving the way for more age-friendly health systems and environments.
WHO looks forward to continuing its collaboration with Penang to share lessons, support local solutions and help ensure that everyone—at every stage of life—can live and age well. The visits to States helps WHO Country office to provide more responsive, evidence-informed technical support to the Ministry of Health.