IN conjunction with the upcoming Deepavali celebration, the Seberang Perai Tamil Welfare and Development Association distributed bags of rice and other food items worth RM102 each, along with ang pows, to 60 recipients.
The event was held at Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan Tamil (SJKT) Ladang Juru and attended by Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.
Chow commended the association for continuing the welfare programme for 32 years, saying it reflected a caring spirit and a strong sense of community.
“This commitment demonstrates the important role community organisations play in assisting underprivileged families, particularly those in the Juru area,” he said in his speech.
Upon learning that the association had initially targeted 100 recipients this year but could only assist 60, Chow announced an additional allocation of RM5,000 to extend the aid to more people.
He said it was difficult for the state government to reach every family and individual directly, but associations and community organisations could help bridge the gap and ensure that assistance reached those in need.
“Deepavali symbolises the triumph of good over evil, light over darkness, and knowledge over ignorance. These values remind us of the importance of spreading kindness, bringing hope and helping those facing difficulties.
“The joy of the festival should be shared by everyone, including families in need of support. I hope that the contributions made today will help ease the burden on the recipients, particularly single mothers who shoulder the responsibility of raising their children, while bringing cheer to their Deepavali preparations and family celebrations,” he said.
Chow added that both the Penang and Federal governments were committed to looking after the people’s welfare.
Although the Federal Government faced financial challenges, he said the 2027 Budget had introduced several improvements to assistance for vulnerable groups.
He said the state government had spent RM57.2 million in 2026 to provide assistance to 298,004 recipients under its welfare programmes, including senior citizens, single mothers, newborn babies and other groups in need.
On the proposed relocation of SJKT Ladang Juru, Chow said the state government, through the Penang Development Corporation (PDC), had decided to sell a plot of land at Kampung Sentul, opposite Taman Mangga in Juru, for the school’s relocation.
“The payment has already been made. However, I hope all parties involved can reach an agreement in the best interests of the school and resolve any outstanding issues so that construction can begin.
“There are also land-related issues at the current school site, and we hope the new school can be built as soon as possible. This would allow the school to relocate to a larger site with better facilities, including a hall, classrooms, sports facilities and other amenities,” he said.
Association chairman M. Soundararajan said its contributions extended beyond supporting families during festive seasons, with assistance also provided to patients and students pursuing academic excellence.
“We also provide bereavement assistance to the families of our members, along with wheelchairs and hospital beds for patients.
“Furthermore, we offer financial incentives to students who excel in their SPM examinations, as well as financial aid to those pursuing higher education at universities or colleges,” he said.
Bukit Tengah assemblyman Gooi Hsiao-Leung, who was also present, said the meaningful event demonstrated the importance of collective efforts by all segments of society, including civil society groups, residents and the business community, in supporting communities in Penang.
“Together, let us cultivate the spirit of Deepavali to strengthen our unity, compassion and the spirit of light here in Penang,” he said.
Also present were the association’s deputy chairman P. Sinnappan, secretary K. Kanisan, treasurer S. Anbalagan, deputy secretary G. Rajesisvaran and SJKT Ladang Juru headmistress Karpaga Valli.
The ceremony concluded with Chow and Gooi lighting firecrackers to mark the festive occasion.
Story by Ammar Mikhail Aamer
Pix by Muhammad Iqbal Hamdan
Video by Nur Siti Atikah Rahmat