SWEET smiles and happiness were clearly reflected on the faces of some 250 underprivileged senior citizens when they were presented food packages and ang pow (red packets) by Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow at Pusat Kawan in Lebuh Klang, George Town, today.
The ang pow and food distribution programme was organised by Lebuh Chulia MPKK (Village Community Management Council) in collaboration with the Rotary Club of Penang, Pusat Kawan and various donors.
Lebuh Chulia MPKK chairperson Lily Oh said this was the fifth welfare project for the B40 community this year.
“We would like to thank all the donors for their kind contributions in making each of our programme a success.
“As for today, we are giving away food packages worth a total of RM2,500 while the ang pow, also amounting to RM2,500 were sponsored by Penang Rotary Club in view of the Chinese New Year celebration.
“We will continue to organise more of such programmes to help the needy with the support we have from everyone including the state government,” Oh said during the food distribution programme today.
Also present were Rotary Club of Penang past president Datuk Tan Gin Soon and Rotary Club of Penang president Dr Jeya Ratnavale.
Chow commended the collaborative effort which made the food distribution programme a success.
“I would like to offer my heartfelt appreciation to the organiser and collaborators for their generosity in helping the needy.
“The Covid-19 pandemic has hit us hard and truly tested our endurance since March last year.
“Many lost their jobs and businesses were forced to close. The frustration is real and the people are trying to get back on their feet.
“However, we the ‘Penang lang’, are known for our toughness and resourcefulness during difficult times.
“Most importantly, we are known for being charitable and kind towards one another, especially in times of need.
“What we did today is a true reflection of what I have just said.
“We are grateful that we have donors coming forward to reach out and touch the lives of those in need.
“I am sure better days lie ahead, when the pandemic comes to an end,” he said.
On a separate note, Chow urged non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to play their part in assisting the Penang government to encourage and help senior citizens register for the National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme.
“This is important, especially to senior citizens with morbidity problems. We must help them to register for the immunisation programme so that they are ready to be vaccinated in the second phase of the programme which is expected to begin in May,” he added.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Law Suun Ting
Video by Alissala Thian