MANY residents of Sungai Pinang came together this morning for a health campaign held in conjunction with a heartwarming Parents’ Day celebration at the Persiaran Karpal Singh basketball court.
The spirit of love, respect and community was deeply felt as families gathered to honour parents and grandparents while embracing the importance of health and well-being in strengthening the community. Father’s Day also falls today.
The event, jointly organised by the Sungai Pinang Service Centre, Village Community Management Council (MPKK), and Penang Adventist Hospital, offered free health screenings and wellness consultations. It served as a timely reminder for people, especially senior citizens, not only to care for their loved ones but also to prioritise their own physical and emotional health.
Sungai Pinang assemblyman Lim Siew Khim, who is also the executive councillor for Social Development, Welfare and Non-Islamic Affairs, in her speech, lauded the enduring contributions of parents and grandparents in shaping the younger generation while calling for a more proactive approach to maintaining personal health.
“Health is one of the most valuable gifts we can give to ourselves and our families. Today’s campaign is not just about celebrating parents, but also about ensuring they live long, fulfilling lives with the care and support they deserve.”
She paid tribute to multigenerational caregivers, recognising their patience, resilience and unconditional love.
“Even after raising your own children, many of you continue to care for your grandchildren. That enduring love across generations is the spirit we want to promote in Sungai Pinang,” she said.
She also reminded the younger generation not to wait for special occasions, like Mother’s Day or Father’s Day, to express their love and gratitude. “Sometimes, just one phone call or a simple ‘Have you eaten?’ is enough to make our parents smile for a whole day,” she said.
During the event, Lim also shared welcome news about Penang’s long-awaited Light Rail Transit (LRT) project. She announced that the project will finally begin physical works within the next two months, as confirmed by Transport Minister Anthony Loke.
“This is a major milestone not just for connectivity, but also for our economy and quality of life,” Lim said. “It will ease traffic congestion, create jobs and bring growth to our communities. This is what we mean when we say we don’t just talk. We deliver.”
She also underscored her ongoing engagement with the ground through the Social Welfare Department (JKM), especially through outreach initiatives in all five districts of Penang.
“To me, welfare work is not just about paperwork or distributing aid. It’s about truly understanding the problems people face and ensuring our help creates real, lasting change,” she said.
Lim reminded leaders of non-Islamic houses of worship that applications for the 2025 RIBI Aid Fund are currently open until June 30 via the eRIBI system and encouraged them to seek assistance from her service centre or the Penang Harmony Corporation (Harmonico) if needed.
Later, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between YB Lim and Dr Jeremy Kung Chong Min, chief executive officer of Progressive Learning Academy, whose institution is committed to helping B40 students enhance their English proficiency.
Children also had the opportunity to participate in a fun and engaging arts and crafts session.
In support of the lower-income community, a Jualan Rahmah was held alongside the event, offering essential items such as cooking oil, rice, eggs, and sardines at affordable prices.
Also present at the event were Penang Island City Council councillor Lee Wei Seang, Klinik Harmony general practitioner Dr Tim Che Aun and Penang Adventist Hospital consultant internal medicine Dr Evelyn Chan Kam Yeen.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Siti Nuratikah Rahmat and courtesy of MPKK Sungai Pinang