RESIDENTS in Buckingham Street received a pleasant surprise when Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow visited their neighbourhood this evening.
Chow, who is also the Padang Kota assemblyman and Tanjong MP, was there to distribute provisions to his constituents.
According to the Padang Kota service centre director Dr Tan Kim Hooi, provisions are constantly being distributed to those who are in need since the implementation of the movement control order (MCO).
“Today, we are distributing 13 boxes of provisions and prior to this we had distributed provisions to the people in Little India, Chulia Street and Ah Quee Street.
“To date, we have given out around 1,650 boxes of provisions to those underprivileged. Next week, another 300 boxes will be given to residents in Kedah Road Flats.
“This will be a continuous effort as the MCO has been extended,” Tan said, adding that those who are in need of assistance can contact him at 012-4837855.
Along with Chow, the members from Gabungan Persatuan India Muslim Pulau Pinang (GAPEIM) led by its president Dr Ameenul Hussaini Abdul Kader, were also present.
Dr Ameenul commended the state government’s initiatives in helping out the needy during the MCO.
“Our association has been also actively helping the needy at various places. The most important thing right now is unity.
“Only during a crisis such as this, we will realise the importance of togetherness. We have to move with brotherly love and help each other,” he said.
During the visit, the association distributed RM50 to the underprivileged in Buckingham Street as well.
On top of the provisions, the residents also received face masks and dates from Chow.
Also present were volunteers from the Chulia Street Village Community Management Council (MPKK) and Padang Kota service centre.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Ahmad Adil Muhamad
Video by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi