PENANG Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow has urged residents to protect their eyesight through better screen-time habits and preventive care, warning that good vision should not be taken for granted.
He said the public should monitor how much time they spend on smartphones and other digital devices, including by using built-in screen-time tracking features to become more aware of their usage.
“This is an issue we have to face, and hopefully we will not take it lightly. We can no longer take good eyesight for granted if we want to continue enjoying good vision and participating in the activities we do every day,” he said.
Chow was speaking at the recent World Sight Day 2026 celebration and the 100th anniversary of St Nicholas’ Home at Queensbay Mall in Penang.
He said eye care remained an important part of public healthcare, despite Malaysia having reduced its overall rate of vision impairment over the decades.
He also called for continued public awareness efforts to encourage people to take preventive measures and seek appropriate treatment for eye conditions.
This year’s World Sight Day theme, “Love Your Eyes”, was a reminder that eyesight was invaluable and required proper care, he said.
Meanwhile, Chow said 298,694 recipients had benefited from the Penang i-Sejahtera programme as of Sept 10, with RM57.2 million disbursed.
Of the recipients, 17,342 were persons with disabilities, who received a total of RM3.47 million in assistance.
State Youth, Sports and Health Committee chairman Daniel Gooi Zi Sen said St Nicholas’ Home had spent the past century helping people with visual impairments build confidence and lead better lives.
He said the institution had made a significant contribution towards creating a more inclusive and supportive society. - October 25, 2026