30 Child Councillors Appointed to Represent Youth Voices in PJ | KiddyNews

Students Step Forward to Shape a Child-Friendly City

Thirty students have been appointed as child councillors for the 2026–2027 term under the Petaling Jaya City Council initiative aimed at giving young people a voice in city governance.

Among them is 16-year-old Ruplynn Kaur Raminder Singh, who will serve as president of the child council. A student at SMK (P) Sri Aman, Ruplynn said she was excited to take on the leadership role and to contribute her ideas on issues affecting children in the city.

“We have learned how to use our voices,” she said following the appointment ceremony held at a Kuala Lumpur hotel.

Platform for Young Leaders

The council brings together children aged 11 to 17 to share their perspectives on matters that affect young people living in Petaling Jaya.

For 14-year-old Muzaffar Mohd Izhan from SMK Damansara Jaya, the programme represents an opportunity to develop leadership skills and engage with community leaders.

He said he hopes the platform will help him grow as a young leader and allow him to speak confidently in front of decision-makers.

Another councillor, 14-year-old Jashannaa Sasidharan from SMK (P) Sri Aman, said she looks forward to learning more, building friendships and working collaboratively with fellow members.

She hopes to share ideas on improving safety for children and creating more child-friendly facilities across the city.

Building Confidence Through Participation

Former child councillors who attended the event reflected on the impact of the programme. Muhamad Raid Altimis Mohd Sunny, now 18, said his participation helped him grow as a student and gave him opportunities such as taking part in the Petaling Jaya International Youth event.

Parents also expressed support for the initiative. M. Jegateeswary said her daughter, T. Tharanah, who previously served as a child councillor, had the chance to share her ideas with the economy ministry during one of the programme’s activities.

Another parent, Ismaida Zamri Ismail, said initiatives like this help nurture future leaders with strong values and ethical foundations.

Supporting a Child-Friendly City Vision

Petaling Jaya mayor Mohamad Zahri Samingon said the city council is committed to building a place where every child can live, learn, play and thrive safely.

He said the initiative aligns with the global UNICEF Child Friendly Cities Initiative, which promotes children’s rights and participation in urban planning and governance.

According to Mohamad Zahri, the council adopts a holistic approach that ensures children from diverse backgrounds, including those with disabilities and from Orang Asli communities, have the opportunity to share their views and access public services and facilities.

Inclusive Selection Process

This year, the programme received 106 applications from children across Petaling Jaya. From these, 30 councillors were selected, comprising 12 boys and 18 girls, including participants with disabilities and those from the Orang Asli community.

Through partnerships with schools, communities and non-governmental organisations, the city council hopes the child councillor programme will continue to strengthen youth participation and ensure that children’s perspectives are reflected in future city development plans.

Source:

The Star  – “30 child councillors for PJ”

Thoughtfully adapted by KiddyNews. Keeping parents and educators informed with the latest ECCE developments from Malaysia and beyond