NON-GOVERNMENTAL organisation (NGO) Buddhist Tzu Chi Merits Society Malaysia in Penang has set up a special centre known as ‘Tzu Chi Environment Protection Education cum Community Centre’.
The centre is located at Taman Pandan in Sungai Puyu, Butterworth.
Buddhist Tzu-Chi Merits Society Malaysia (Penang) commissioner Datuk Khoo Boo Leong said the special centre has three main objectives.
“The first objective is to implement an environmental protection programme at the centre.
“The dual-purpose centre will be a drop-off centre for recyclable items and an education centre to educate the public on recycling,” Khoo said in his speech during the launching today.
As for the second objective, Khoo explained that Penang Tzu Chi would use the centre to guide the elderly community using a healthy ageing concept.
“So, we hope to serve the local elderly residents and promote healthy ageing.
“Eldercare services provided at this centre are the tentacles of Tzu Chi’s deep involvement in the community.
“We encourage them to participate in Tzu Chi’s volunteer services, public welfare activities and various programmes so that they can continue to maintain physical and mental stability, and live a fulfilling and active life,” he said.
Khoo said the third objective of the special centre is to promote vegetarianism among the community.
“Tzu Chi has been promoting vegetarianism for years.
“Our campaign for vegetarianism started in 2003 during the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) outbreak in Asia.
“Since then, Tzu Chi has encouraged it on regular basis.
“We aim to raise awareness of the benefits of vegetarianism, such as mitigating global warming, nurturing compassion, and reducing collective negative karma.
“We will also be launching the ‘Meat-free Plant-based Market Place’ here on a four seasonal basis (annually) to create awareness of the benefits of vegetarianism,” Khoo said.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who launched the special centre as part of his ‘Jelajah ❤️ Penang’ programme at the Bagan parliamentary constituency today, praised the organisation for the initiatives.
“In terms of environmental protection, Tzu Chi has been doing an excellent job of recycling wastes via acts of loving kindness, bringing forth a healthier and cleaner environment for all.
“As we know, Tzu Chi began their environmental protection measures in Penang in 1997, and I am delighted that we are about to witness yet another great initiative with the opening of the Tzu Chi Environment Protection Education cum Community Centre today.
“It is hoped that through the special centre, we can better safeguard our Mother Earth and establish a more sustainable and resilient society, in line with the Penang2030 vision of ‘A Family-Focused Green and Smart State that Inspires the Nation’.
“With that being said, I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to Penang Tzu Chi, and I hope that it will continue to soar to greater heights,” Chow said.
Also present during the ceremony were state Welfare and Environment Committee chairman Phee Boon Poh, who is also the Sungai Puyu assemblyman, and Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) mayor Datuk Azhar Arshad.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Muhamad Amir Irsyad Omar
Video by Ahmad Adil Muhamad