SOUTH Island Garment Sdn Bhd (SIG), one of the wholly-owned subsidiaries of public-listed Magni-Tech Industries Berhad, again came forward to contribute to a good cause.
The company, in collaboration with Buddhist Tzu Chi Merits Society Malaysia, has delivered 5,000 pieces of non-woven gowns to Penang Hospital and 10,000 pieces of reusable face masks to the Penang government.
SIG managing director Yap Yong Teck presented the items to state Welfare and Environment Committee chairman Phee Boon Poh, who was representing the state government, and Penang Hospital representatives, senior assistant director Dr Wong Khar Ming and pharmacist Shirley Lim Sheh Lee, near the Maybank Komtar today.
Also present were SIG product innovation & development manager Freddie Teoh Hong Wei, and Tzu Chi Commissioner Datuk Khoo Boo Leong and his team members.
Yap thanked them for the opportunity to contribute something back to the society, as did many compassionate corporations and individuals by reaching out to the many unfortunate families whose lives have been displaced and their livelihoods badly affected during this Covid-19 crisis.
“Our deepest gratitude to all the frontline healthcare workers for being brave and their selfless efforts in saving lives and keeping our country safe.
“The Covid-19 pandemic has brought about great hardship and stress to every stratum of society. Since the pandemic began in March 2020, SIG has contributed a total of 10,000 pieces of non-woven gowns and 10,000 pieces of reusable face makes in our CSR initiatives.
“Our company and directors have since contributed more than RM1 million in partnering with various charity foundations and organisations and we vouch to continue to do more to reach out to the poor and needy in every way we can. Tzu Chi is one of the esteemed organisations that we are collaborating with,” said Yap.
Phee, on behalf on the state government, thanked South Island Garment and Tzu Chi for coming forward at this crucial time.
“The Health director-general has advised us to double mask and with this double mask, it will help to stop the spread of the virus.
“Whatever it is, discipline is most important. Please understand the SOPs, follow the SOPs and let the people in their field to do their job.
“I would like to ask all the people: please make sure you wear mask and clean your hands. Do not gather; if possible stay in the house,” Phee said.
He added that Tzu Chi had signed an memorandum of understanding with the state government in 2018.
“Tzu Chi has on its own initiative assisted us beyond the call of duty. They have given us the manpower, the resources and even financed a lot of aid programmes like giving out beds, oxygen cylinders and even the oxygen concentrators.
“We appreciate and express our gratitude to them. We hope they are the role model for other NGOs to follow.
“Tzu Chi is colour blind. They don’t talk about race; they don’t talk about religion and they only talk about people.
“They even go to the extent to assist the neglected groups, the migrant workers. Legal or illegal, Tzu Chi also helps them. But please note that we are not supporting illegals but on humanitarian grounds. In this time of crisis, we talk about humanitarian grounds.
“And Tzu Chi has shown to us all things can be done. I am so happy that I learn a lot from Tzu Chi,” Phee said.
Khoo said it was a privilege for them to assist in any way they could as they heed the wise words of their society’s founder Ven Master Cheng Yen: “Instead of worrying about the condition of our society, we should turn worry into confidence, and give our love to the society”.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi