THE Penang government will be discussing with the Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) to find a solution to assist the Happy Retirement Home – a home for senior citizens at Kampung Permatang Durian, Kepala Batas.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who visited the home with his wife Tan Lean Kee and north Seberang Perai district officer Zulkifli Rashid, said the centre had been trying very hard to obtain a valid status but to no avail.
“It is not easy to obtain planning permission.
“We understand that the issue concerning the land has been resolved. However, there are several issues that need to be addressed.
“We will discuss with MBSP to see how we can assist the centre. We will do our best to help; perhaps, assisting the centre to obtain a temporary operating permit.
“The permit can help ease their (residents) concerns. The residents are worried whenever the representatives of the Government agencies pay a visit.
“The senior citizens are worried that the centre might be forced to close and they will not have anywhere to stay. This is their home now,” Chow said recently.
Chow, Tan and the team spent some time understanding the issues faced by the centre.
Happy Retirement Home principal Khor Kwee Gaik and assistant principal Samantha Lim welcomed and showed them the centre.
Khor, 80, has been providing shelter to senior citizens for 22 years now, and the centre has been depending on public support.
There are currently 41 golden agers at the centre.
Chow praised Khor for her commitment.
“She is still committed to helping and providing senior citizens a place to retire despite her age,” Chow said.
Chow also presented hampers to the senior citizens at the centre before leaving.
Also present were MBSP councillor Ooi Yong Wooi, special coordinating officer Lay Hock Peng, Bertam coordinator and Adun Angkat Tan Hock Lai, and Bumbung Lima and Permatang Serdang Village Community Management Council (MPKK) representatives Cheng Siew Yang and Teh Lim Pew.
Story by Christopher Tan
Pix by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi
Video by Alissala Thian