THE St Nicholas’ Home (SNH) for the blind in Bagan Jermal is still operating as usual despite facing challenges in the ongoing Covid-19 crisis.
Its general manager David Chiang dismissed a report which said that the home was about to close down.
He clarified that the donations for the home have been substantially affected as a result of the pandemic.
“If this trend continues, we may have to reduce the scale of our activities for the visually impaired.
“We will do our best to ensure this 94-year-old institution be sustained.
“At no time did we say the home will close down,” he said in his speech at the SNH in Bagan Jermal today.
Chiang told those present, including Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, that the donations to the home had gone down by 80% since the onset of movement control order (MCO) on March 18.
He hoped that donations would continue to pour in to assist the visually impaired during this difficult period.
“In total, we have 75 students here and many had gone back to their hometowns. So far, only 30 are left .
“Those from Sabah and Sarawak are mostly staying put,” he said.
Chiang also brought to the attention of state government about SNH proposals to reduce its operating cost.
Among the proposals were seeking reduction in water bill charges and electricity bill charges, requesting Pos Malaysia for free postage and seeking annual grant from the state.
Chiang added that another major source of income that has been lost during the partial lockdown period was the massage services provided by the wellness centre, adding that such bleak situation might continue until end of 2021.
Chow said the state would not want to lose the home.
He said state was aware of the challenges SNH was facing and hoped that corporate citizens would contribute generously to sustain the home.
“This is important to ensure SNH can be sustained and expenses incurred be managed well.
“This Covid-19 pandemic has affected many businesses and families as well.
“Other state representatives and I have gone to the ground to understand their plight better and provide our assistance,” he said in his speech.
Chow and those present also went for a tour of the home before leaving.
Also present were state Welfare, Caring Society and Environment Committee chairman Phee Boon Poh, Bukit Bendera MP Wong Hon Wai, Pulau Tikus assemblyman Chris Lee Chun Kit, Penang Island City Council (MBPP) mayor Datuk Yew Tung Seang and Anglican Church Diocese of West Malaysia Suffragan Bishop Rev Datuk Charles K. Samuel
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi
Video by Law Suun Ting