STAYING true to its core principle of uplifting society, the Che Hoon Khor Moral Uplifting Society Penang extended aid to the community today by presenting cheques to 14 charitable organisations and distributing ang pows to four old folks’ homes and 2,000 senior citizens at its hall along Jalan Macalister Road in George Town.
Each of the 14 beneficiaries received RM15,000, amounting to a total of RM210,000, while senior citizens received ang pows of RM30 each.
The 14 beneficiaries were Pertubuhan Pumulihan Orang Kurang Upaya Negeri Pulau Pinang, Persatuan Kesihatan Jiwa Pulau Pinang, Pesatuan Pumulihan Penyayang Orang Kurang Upaya Pulau Pinang, Persatuan Rawatan Buah Pinggan Malaysia, Penang Pure Lotus Society Hospice of Compassion, Penang Caring Dialysis Society, Pertubuhan Kebajikan Komuniti Cakna Pulau Pinang, Asia Community Centre, Eden Handicap Service Centre Bhd, Pertubuhan Rumah Kebajikan Seri Cahaya Pulau Pinang, Persatuan Kebajikan Warga Emas Harmoni Pulau Pinang, Penang Cheshire Home, Persatuan Pengajian Sadhu Vaswani Negeri Pulau Pinang and Children’s Protection Society Malaysia.
The four old folk homes were Silver Jubilee for the Aged, the Penang Home for the Infirm & Aged, Relau Rumah Charis Bhd and Little Sister of the Poor.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow commended the society for raising RM210,000 through its Harmony Charity Food Fair last year — RM10,000 more than its initial target — to make the meaningful ceremony possible.
“This event truly shows the Penang spirit at its best. The RM30 ang pow for each senior citizen may not be a large sum, but it comes from a big heart — and that, to me, is what truly matters.
“To raise RM210,000 from the food fair was not easy. It reflected strong public support, good organisation and the dedication of many volunteers. To everyone involved — well done, and thank you,” Chow said in his address to the packed hall, which was filled mostly with senior citizens.
He said Penang’s main focus this year is on the livelihood economy, aimed at ensuring that economic growth improves people’s everyday lives.
“People often say Penang has everything: big projects, steady investment growth and strong exports. But the most important question is this: do our people feel the growth? When the state grows, our people must grow together. That is why we are working towards a ‘Better Penang’ — a Penang where people see progress, feel valued and are included in our success,” he said.
Chow added that senior citizens carry experience, wisdom and values that continue to guide younger generations, stressing that they are not a burden but a strength to society.
He also shared that three major development projects are currently underway at Penang Hospital and are expected to be completed between this year and 2029. In addition, the opening of the Seberang Jaya Hospital building will provide more beds and improved facilities, while plans to upgrade the Sungai Bakap clinic will enhance healthcare services for Penangites.
Meanwhile, Che Hoon Khor Moral Uplifting Society Penang president Datuk Sim Ah Chye thanked Chow for his presence, noting that when leaders and community organisations stand together, the impact of charity reaches even further.
He said the purpose of the event was simple — to share care, kindness and hope.
“The 14 charitable organisations work tirelessly to support some of the most vulnerable members of our society. Behind every red packet and contribution is a story of generosity, teamwork and people who believe that helping others makes our society stronger,” Sim said.
He added that while the daily contributions of these organisations may not always be visible, their impact is deeply felt by families, communities and lives transformed.
“By supporting these 14 recipients, we are not only offering assistance but also standing with their values and unwavering commitment to service,” he said.
Sim also said the ang pows distributed to the elderly carried more than festive blessings.
“They represent respect for our elders, gratitude for their lifetime contributions and a message that they are not forgotten. Our elders are the living memory of our society. Caring for them is not only an act of kindness — it is a reflection of our values,” he said.
Sim said the society has been guided by the principles of compassion and service since its founding.
“Charity is not about how much one gives, but about sincerity, consistency and unity. Charity has no boundaries of race, religion or background — it speaks a universal language understood by every heart.
“Let us remember that each of us has the ability to make a difference, no matter how small the action may seem,” he said.
Richard Wong, president of Persatuan Rawatan Buah Pinggang Malaysia (Renal Care Association Malaysia), praised the Che Hoon Khor Moral Uplifting Society for its continued support.
“We are grateful to them for helping the less fortunate. We have received aid from the society for several years — starting with RM5,000, then RM8,000, followed by RM10,000, and now RM15,000,” said Wong, who has been occasionally assisting the Penang Badminton Association as a referee and a desk official.
Wong added that his organisation supports patients with kidney failure through both cash and in-kind assistance, including guidance on care and lifestyle management.
Among those present were organising chairman and deputy president Datuk Tan Kim Oh, advisers Datuk Seri Chew Weng Khak, Datuk Seri Ng Tee Soo and Datuk Seri Ooi Soo Hing.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Law Suun Ting
Video by Alissala Thian
