The Penang Lions Clubs, renowned for their community services, will be taking part in the state’s annual Miao Hui celebration for the second consecutive year, alongside the Penang Chinese clans during the Chinese New Year.
District 308 B2 Governor Dr Alan Thoo, leading a delegation of 30 club presidents and officers, paid a courtesy visit to Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow at his office in Komtar today. Dr Thoo mentioned their involvement in the state’s cultural activity during the Chinese New Year festivities.
Penang boasts 45 Lions clubs with approximately 1, 400 members. Out of the 45 clubs, 36 are located on the island and the remaining on the mainland. Globally, Lions Club International, formed in 1917, has 1.4 million members worldwide.
Dr Thoo announced that the Lions Clubs would collaborate with St John Ambulance Malaysia to donate an ambulance this year.
Additionally, they plan to work with the Police to organise seminars on scam awareness in various factories.
“Our clubs have a lot of activities to serve Penang Lang (Penangites), such as beach clean-ups, health carnivals, hunger, and environmental awareness programmes. Most of the time, people will not think Lions are involved in cultural activities. This is one of our initiatives,” Dr Thoo said.
The group is also seeking assistance from the state government to provide space for a food bank.
Among the prominent attendees were 1st Vice-District Governor Don Hoe, 2nd Vice-District Governor Tan Say Cheong, Honorary Committee Chairperson Datuk Ooi Chao Syhuan, Region 1 Chairperson Onnie Goh Hong Aun, Region 2 Chairperson Leena Lee Soch Khim, and Ryan Ch’ng, Zone 1 Chairperson, Lions Club International District 308 B2, Malaysia.
Dr Thoo thanked the state government for consistently supporting the clubs in their humanitarian endeavours.
Chow commended the Penang Lions Clubs for their impactful community services and initiatives.
“I believe the activities have impacted many, from the schools to the elderly, leaving a lasting impression upon them.
“The various community projects remain a legacy, including building pedestrian bridges and putting up signages.
“In Penang, we are very blessed with a wide spectrum of NGOs, working in their special ways to impact the members and the society at large. The government cannot do everything.
“If you have a good project, I believe we will be more than willing to collaborate or lend support to that initiative,” Chow said.
Citing the water disruption as one recent example, Chow said the voluntary fire and rescue brigade played a very significant role in helping the water authorities distribute water to the affected areas.
For all the Lions’ members, he expressed hope that they will have a fulfilling and enriching experience joining the Lions clubs.
“I hope you will all continue your good works, within the clubs, within the region and for mankind and Mother Earth,” Chow said.
Towards the end of the meeting, Chow, in responding to a question about water security in the state, explained how the Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) prepared for the recent water disruption and the projects to be carried out under the Penang Water Contingency Plan 2030.
The meeting ended with Chow presenting awards from the District Governor to Lion Stephanie Ooi, president of Lions Club of Georgetown City; Lion Lim Gin Chuan, president of Lions Club of Penang (Host) and Lion Lai Chee Heong, zone chairman of Lions Club of George Town in recognition of their outstanding services.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Siew Chia En