THE Malaysian Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MICCI) Penang has played an important role in supporting the state’s Indian business community and contributing to Penang’s economic and social development over the past 102 years.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the organisation’s contributions went beyond business, encompassing community welfare initiatives and constructive engagement with the government on policy matters.
“MICCI is a business organisation, but it does more than business. It carries out corporate social responsibility programmes and works together with the local, state and federal governments by providing valuable feedback on policy matters,” he said.
He was speaking at the MICCI Deepavali Hamper Giveaway 2026 ceremony at Little India here today.
Chow expressed hope that MICCI and its members would continue sharing their views and suggestions with the government to help improve policies and initiatives that benefit the people.
He also acknowledged the Indian community’s longstanding contributions to Penang, noting that its presence in the state dated back more than 200 years.
On the development of Little India, Chow said the area had undergone significant changes over the years, with new businesses continuing to open and contribute to its vibrancy.
He encouraged MICCI to continue supporting young entrepreneurs by providing guidance and assistance to those interested in establishing businesses in the area.
“When young people think about pursuing a career in business, MICCI can play an important role in assisting, guiding and helping them establish their businesses here,” he said.
Meanwhile, Chow said the Penang government had contributed RM100,000 to MICCI to support its various programmes, particularly the distribution of Deepavali hampers to 200 families this year.
He thanked MICCI and its sponsors for their generosity, saying the initiative would help bring festive cheer to families facing challenging circumstances.
Chow also reiterated the state government’s commitment to public welfare, highlighting its Warga Emas Appreciation Programme, which was introduced in 2009.
He said Penang was the first state government to introduce such a welfare initiative, which initially provided RM100 annually to eligible residents aged 60 and above, before the amount was increased to RM200.
He encouraged eligible senior citizens who had yet to register for the programme to do so through the respective state government service centres.
Chow added that the state government channelled almost RM100 million in welfare assistance annually through i-Sejahtera and other programmes covering various sectors.
He concluded by wishing the Indian community a joyful Deepavali celebration.
Among those present were state Housing and Environment Committee chairman Datuk Seri Sundarajoo Somu, Bagan Dalam assemblyman Kumaran Krishnan, Penang Island City Council (MBPP) mayor Datuk A. Rajendran, MICCI president Datuk S. Parthiban, and others.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Siew Chia En
Video by Alissala Thian