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Family and people
Who to contact and what to do in Penang for children, older relatives, pets and life events.
What it costs
Helium balloons in Penang: what they cost and where to buy
A plain 12-inch latex balloon is RM7.90 with helium (RM5 with normal air) at Heyfloat, and an 18-inch bubble helium balloon RM99 to RM108 at the Penang shops that publish prices. Heyfloat says a 12-inch latex balloon floats for about 6 to 8 hours, so collect or book delivery close to the party.
What balloon decoration costs in Penang
A classic balloon arch costs RM428 to RM500 and an organic arch RM650 to RM888, as Penang balloon decorators publish them. Each of Heyfloat's classic and organic arch listings says the set-up fee (from RM80) is extra, and delivery inside Penang runs from free to RM60.
Step by step
After a death in Penang: the official steps in the first week
When someone dies in Penang, the death is first confirmed by a hospital or the police, then registered free of charge at any National Registration Department (JPN) office. The official steps in order, the burial permit, and which funds and agencies to tell next.
Registering a birth and getting a MyKid in Penang
Every birth in Malaysia must be registered at a National Registration Department (JPN) office within 60 days, free of charge. What to bring, what changes after 60 days, and how to apply for a MyKid, the free chip card for Malaysian children under 12.
Guides
Hiring a foreign domestic helper in Penang: the official route
A foreign domestic helper needs Labour Department approval and an Immigration work pass, applied for by the employer or a licensed agency. Who may hire, the income rules by source country, the levy and fees as published, SOCSO cover, and the employer's duties.
Kindergartens and childcare in Penang: who registers them and how to check
Childcare centres (TASKA) must be registered with the Social Welfare Department (JKM); private kindergartens (tadika) with the Ministry of Education (KPM). How each system works, how to check a centre, Penang's 2026 registration drive, and the help with fees that the government publishes.
Pets in Penang: dog licences, rabies, adopting and lost animals
Every dog in Penang needs a licence from its city council, MBPP on the island or MBSP on the mainland. What each council publishes on licences, banned breeds and dogs in flats, the latest on rabies, how adoption works at SPCA Penang, and what to do if you lose or find an animal.