THE state government today contributed a total of RM80,000 to the Saw Khaw Lean (Heah) Chong Shu Association to assist with its building upgrading work.
Its chairman Khor Kai Keng said the association’s building, which was established in 1959, needed to enhance its facilities.
“The five-storey building does not have a lift facility which makes it difficult for our members, who are mostly senior citizens, to walk up the stairs.
“The same goes to other elderly people who come here to pray as cremation urns are also kept here (ancestral hall). So, we decided to upgrade the building as well as instal it with lifts for their convenience.
“The total cost for the upgrading work including with the installation of the lifts is RM510,000,” Khor said during the mock cheque presentation ceremony today at the association’s premises.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who presented the cheque for RM50,000 to the association’s assistant treasurer Datuk Khor Wan Tat, decided to pledge an additional RM30,000.
Khor said that the association has thus far raised a total of RM220,000, including the contribution from the state government.
“We would like to thank the state government for its generous contribution for our project.
“Apart from this, YB Daniel Gooi (Pengkalan Kota assemblyman) has also helped us to submit our application for the RIBI (non-Islamic houses of worship) fund.
“The maximum allocation that we can get under the RIBI fund would be RM50,000,” he said.
Meanwhile, Chow praised the Saw Khaw Lean (Heah) Chong Shu Association members for exhibiting togetherness.
“I am happy that the association is staying united to contribute for the betterment of the community. And most of the members are individuals who are established in various fields,” Chow said.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix & Video by Law Suun Ting