IT was a colourful Deepavali celebration at the ‘Deepavali Open House’ organised by the Malaysian Indian Chamber of Commerce & Industry (MICCI) Penang at Little India this evening.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who was the guest of honour at the event, thanked the Penang Indian community for their continuous support and contributions to the advancement of the people, state and nation.
“To show our appreciation to the Indian community, along with other efforts, the state government has also undertaken a special project to upgrade the roadwork at Market Street and to construct an arch at the entrance of Market Street.
“The roadwork upgrade costs RM405,555 and the construction of the arch costs RM588,226.
“Currently, the roadwork has been completed while construction of the arch is expected to be completed by the end of November this year.
“I would like to thank Penang Island City Council (MBPP) secretary Datuk A. Rajendran for his dedication towards the project,” Chow said.
Chow added that the state government intends to provide adequate support to all vulnerable groups, regardless of race, religion and background.
Apart from that, Chow said that the state government had contributed RM50,000 to organise the Deepavali Open House.
“I would like to thank the Little India traders for their unwavering support of the event over the years.
“Rest assured that the Penang government will continue to collaborate closely with you to ensure that the Indian community as well as the people of Penang are at the forefront of development,” he said.
MICCI Penang president Datuk Seri N. Gobalakrishnan thanked the state government for enhancing the Little India area with the roadwork and the construction of the arch at Market Street.
At the event, guests as well as children from Ramakrishna Ashrama were treated to a scrumptious dinner.
Chow also presented ‘angpow’ (red packets) to the children.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Muhamad Amir Irsyad Omar