A TOTAL of 100 people with disabilities (OKUs) were delighted when Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow presented food baskets and basic necessities to them at the Penang Youth Centre in Lebuh Acheh today.
The distribution programme was organised by the Persatuan Tongkat Putih Pulau Pinang.
The association chairman Swarn Singh said the programme was conducted since 2014 during every festive season to help the disabled individuals prepare for their celebrations.
“We are not doing this only during the Hari Raya celebration. We also do it during other festive seasons, such as Chinese New Year, Christmas, Deepavali and so on.
“For today, we have given out food baskets and necessities worth a total of RM25,000.
“From that amount, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow contributed RM20,000 and the remaining RM5,000 were sponsored by some good Samaritans.
“We would like to thank the Chief Minister and the public for their generous contributions.
“Each food basket consists of rice, instant oat, noodles, face masks, canned food, toothpaste, toothbrush, coffee, biscuits, eggs and much more.
“We have also given out prayers mats, walking sticks, smartwatch, Covid-19 test kits, and also some Raya packets as well,” Swarn said during the food distribution programme today.
Also present was Komtar assemblyman Teh Lai Heng.
Chow lauded the association’s charity works in assisting the disabled community all these years.
“It is not easy for a non-profit organisation such as Persatuan Tongkat Putih Pulau Pinang to keep doing what they are doing now.
“But, because of all the contributions from private sectors, individuals and many others, the association managed to continue to assist the disabled community in Penang.
“We hope more people will step forward to assist the Persatuan Tongkat Putih Pulau Pinang and other non-profit organisations in the state.
“The state government has never neglected the disabled community in Penang. The community is aided through various assistance that has been channelled over the years.
“We hope that through such a programme today, we will be able to reduce their financial burden and at the same time share the Raya mood with them in celebrating the Aidilfitri celebration early next month,” Chow said.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Law Suun Ting
Video by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi