THE HAMPER GIVEAWAY PROGRAMME FOR THE UNDERPREVILEDGE RAKYAT FOR DEEPAVALI FESTIVAL BY MICCI, PENANG

SPEECH BY YAB TUAN CHOW KON YEOW

THE CHIEF MINISTER OF PENANG

FOR THE HAMPER GIVEAWAY PROGRAMME FOR THE UNDERPREVILEDGE RAKYAT FOR DEEPAVALI FESTIVAL BY MICCI, PENANG

07/11/2023

Good evening.

 

Today, as I stand before you as the Chief Minister of Penang, I am filled with great pride and joy. This is not just a celebration of Deepavali, but it is also a celebration of our collective commitment to making a difference in our community.

Deepavali, the festival of lights, signifies the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. It is a time to reflect on our blessings and to extend a helping hand to those who may be less fortunate. Today, we celebrate the essence of Deepavali not just through our festivities, but through our acts of kindness and compassion.

We gather here to mark the launch of the Hamper Giveaway Programme for the underprivileged Rakyat, a wonderful initiative by the Malaysian Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MICCI), Penang. As we celebrate this moment, let us also reflect on the journey that brought us here and the promising path that lies ahead.

Starting off as the earliest Indian Chamber founded in Malaysia in the 1920s, MICCI Penang has grown to be at the forefront of promoting economic growth and social responsibility within our society. Throughout the years, this organization has consistently shown its dedication to serving the community regardless of race or religion, and today's initiative is yet another reflection of their commitment to making a positive impact.

I am thrilled to announce that hampers worth RM80 each will be given out to 150 individuals. These hampers, filled with essential items like rice, flour, milk, and other groceries, will provide much-needed relief to those facing economic hardships. But the generosity of MICCI Penang does not stop there. They are also providing RM20.00 each and packeted food to the beneficiaries, demonstrating their comprehensive support for those in need. The total cost of this noble program is approximately RM30,000.

 

In addition to that, I am also delighted to note that MICCI has been actively involved in various programmes and initiatives to support local traders and entrepreneurs. Recent events such as the "Programme Bina Kerjaya”, "Programme Urban Farming To Generate Revenue", “DOSH Awareness Programme”, “E- Usahawan Programme” and the "Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge" demonstrate the chamber's dedication to fostering economic growth and development within our community.

On behalf of the Penang State Government, I would like to take this opportunity to express our heartfelt appreciation for the invaluable contributions of MICCI Penang to our beloved state. Your role in stimulating our economy and enhancing the quality of life for our residents cannot be overstated.

Rest assured that the State Government will continue to support your noble efforts, which are very much in line with the state’s Penang2030 Community-building initiative, aimed at 'uplifting vulnerable communities and reducing inequalities’ as well as to foster unity in our multicultural society.

Ladies and gentlemen,

While we celebrate the achievements of the past, we also look forward to the future. The upcoming events and initiatives that the Malaysian Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Penang, has in store promise to be even more impactful, with several programmes already in place for next month such as the ‘SME Programme for Businessman’ and ‘Ladies Confinement Programme’. I must say, their unwavering commitment is truly commendable, and it sets an inspiring example for all of us as we collectively strive for a brighter and more inclusive Penang.

In the spirit of progress, it is worth noting that the Penang State Government is steadfast in its dedication to the well-being of our community. Through the Penang Unity Manifesto 2023, we have pledged to create a State Social Development Fund that will provide support to those in need. Additionally, we are committed to establishing Active Senior Citizens Centres in every district, ensuring the welfare of our beloved citizens.

Furthermore, our promise to allocate RM10 million for Non-Islamic Places of Worship (RIBI) until 2028 reflects our commitment to fostering unity. This includes the establishment of Kirigai ceremony centres in each district and the construction of a new Tamil school, the 29th in Penang. These efforts underscore our dedication to recognizing and promoting the unifying values that bind us together and in propelling us as ‘A Family-Focused Green and Smart State that Inspires the Nation’.

Having said that, I once again express my deepest gratitude to the MICCI Penang, for their unwavering commitment and contributions to our state and community. I firmly believe that your journey is far from over, and I eagerly anticipate joining you in your upcoming 100th-anniversary celebration, scheduled for April or May next year.

In closing, I extend my gratitude to all of you for participating in today's event. As we come together to celebrate this festival of light and kindness, let us remember that our actions and compassion are the true essence of Deepavali. Together, let us work towards a brighter future for all our citizens, where compassion and kindness shine as brightly as the Deepavali lamps that illuminate our homes.

With that, thank you and I wish each and every one of you a joyful and Happy Deepavali.